Patient Care Technician - PCT - Training Provided

Fresenius Medical Care•Martinsburg, WV

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, training, and applicable regulations. The role includes preparing and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean environment, and participating in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. The technician welcomes and monitors patients before, during, and after treatment; assesses vascular access; performs cannulation and delegated or legally permitted medication administration; initiates and discontinues dialysis according to prescribed orders; records vital signs, weights, machine parameters, and treatment information; and reports changes in patient condition to a registered nurse or supervisor. The position also includes collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and treatment areas, following infection-control procedures, and supporting patient education and self-care under nursing supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, helps coordinate care and modality transitions, supports understanding of home dialysis options, prepares treatments on TCU machines, and assists with supply ordering and inventory. Continued employment depends on successfully completing the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
Meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification; continued employment depends on successful completion.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.
Be able to perform direct patient care involving regular heavy lifting and moving of patients, assistance with ambulation, frequent and prolonged standing, and bending.
Be able to occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force; frequently lift and lower solutions weighing up to 30 pounds; and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as 5 feet, with assistive equipment or coworkers available for heavier items.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and according to prescribed orders, organizational policies, training, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, access assessments, and other required treatment information.
Set up and operate hemodialysis machines; program prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; and ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to established procedures and evaluate patients before discharge.
Identify and intervene in intradialytic problems as prescribed or directed, document interventions and patient responses, and promptly report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform machine safety checks, pretreatment alarm testing, and other preparation tasks, including initiating the Solution Delivery System.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills using appropriate disinfectant.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and promptly; review treatment sheets for completeness and correct omissions through appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and admission paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions.
Support infection-control audits, practices, policies, procedures, and patient and family education under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, and help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with demonstrations of peritoneal dialysis setup, and help coordinate transition to the patient's chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment and follow organizational business policies, procedures, and ethical practices.