Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Baden, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean care environment, and participating in quality improvement activities intended to improve patient satisfaction and achievement of organizational quality goals. The posting advertises a full 11-week paid training program, no overnights or Sundays, and a schedule of four early-morning workdays of 10 hours each. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, evaluates vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated heparin administration where permitted, obtains and records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatment according to orders and procedures, and responds to patient or machine issues under clinical direction. The position documents treatment and patient information, reports significant changes to a registered nurse or supervisor, collects and prepares laboratory specimens, and maintains equipment and treatment areas in accordance with facility and infection-control policies. Responsibilities may also include supporting patient and staff education, assisting with continuous quality improvement and infection-control activities, and helping newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis in the Transitional Care Unit. This includes coordinating care, reinforcing education, explaining treatment options and home dialysis, helping with transitions to a selected modality, and assisting with unit supplies and inventory. The position involves direct patient care and work in a health care facility, with potential exposure to infectious or contagious materials. It requires travel between assigned facilities and community locations, frequent prolonged standing and bending, and regular lifting or moving of patients and supplies, with equipment or coworker assistance available for heavier items. Employees must take an Ishihara color blindness test; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program for continued employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification for continued employment.
Take the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving frequent, prolonged standing and bending, assisting with patient lifting and movement, and lifting solutions and supplies as described in the posting.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and locations within the community.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Educate patients, as appropriate, about dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and access.
Evaluate vascular access and perform cannulation and heparin administration when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and record pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and evaluate vascular access before treatment.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Check that appropriate safety alarms are enabled and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, perform prescribed or directed interventions, document responses, and report unusual findings or changes to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain hemostasis and apply dressings; evaluate patients before discharge and document required treatment assessments.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organizational policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Maintain safe and clean areas and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, perform and document required machine alarm testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and promptly; review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate signatures; and prepare patient charts and laboratory requisitions.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices and education, and follow infection-control policies and procedures.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education for new patients, coordinate with facility staff to support the patient experience, and help patients understand home dialysis and treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with transitions to the patient’s chosen modality, and help coordinate supply ordering and inventory.