Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Blackfoot, ID

13d

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 follows organizational policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable corporate, state, and federal regulations. The PCT sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean environment, and participates in Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, including process improvements intended to support patient satisfaction and quality goals. The position provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatments, including preparing patients and equipment, monitoring patients and vascular access, documenting treatment information, responding to changes in patient condition, and reporting concerns to a registered nurse or supervisor. The PCT also supports patient education, infection control, staff training, laboratory processes, and, in a Transitional Care Unit, coordination and education for newly admitted patients exploring dialysis care and modality options. The job involves work at a health care facility and travel between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. Work includes computer and desk tasks and frequent interaction with patients, staff, and physicians. The employee may be exposed to infectious or contagious diseases and materials, and the position regularly involves heavy lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, prolonged standing, bending, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment. A two-person assist program and material-assist devices are available for heavier items. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Must meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.
Ability to perform the described physical demands, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, assisting with ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment.

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 last treatment.
Provide or reinforce patient-specific education, including information about adequacy measures, disease processes, vascular access, infection control, and dialysis options, as allowed by state law and under appropriate supervision.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, cannulate access, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain and document pre-, intradialytic, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and patient evaluations, including initial patient identification.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders and program the machine for prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling.
Enable required machine safety alarms and conduct machine safety checks and required pretreatment alarm tests, including Pressure Holding Test (PHT).
Monitor patient response to dialysis, evaluate and intervene in intradialytic problems as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Discontinue dialysis according to established procedures, obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, evaluate the patient before discharge, and document treatment completion.
Complete accurate and timely treatment documentation, including the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet, applicable progress notes, vital signs, and treatment parameters.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly with appropriate disinfectant and clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organizational business policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices; maintain safe, clean, and orderly work areas.
Complete and document participation in CQI activities, enter treatment data into the designated clinical application, and review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate corrections.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork for admission, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection-control audits, support adherence to infection-control practices, follow infection-control policies and procedures, and reinforce patient and family education as directed.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
In the Transitional Care Unit, coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and ensure disciplines are scheduled according to the care plan.
In the Transitional Care Unit, help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and support understanding of treatment options and transition to the patient's chosen modality.
In the Transitional Care Unit, set up and perform treatments on machines used in the unit and assist with supply ordering and inventory.