Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Fairfield, OH

10d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe, effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and following organization policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The PCT supports quality improvement and patient satisfaction initiatives, including participation in Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients throughout dialysis treatment, evaluates vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated tasks where permitted, obtains and records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatments, responds to patient or machine issues, and documents treatment data. The role also includes preparing and processing laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and supplies, observing infection-control practices, assisting with staff and patient education, and supporting patients in the Transitional Care Unit as they learn about dialysis and treatment options. The position involves direct patient care in a health care facility and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. Work includes computer and desk tasks, interaction with patients and clinical staff, prolonged standing, bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies. The employee may encounter infectious materials and moderate noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be considered for qualified individuals; employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment, but failing it does not automatically preclude employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successful completion of the organization dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not automatically preclude employment.
Ability to perform the physical duties described, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient assistance, and lifting or moving patients and supplies, with equipment or coworker assistance where applicable.

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 in accordance with organization policies, training, and applicable regulations.
Set up and operate hemodialysis machines, prepare treatment supplies, conduct required machine alarm testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, weights, access assessments, and other required treatment information.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed machine parameters, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling, and ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patient responses, identify intradialytic problems, provide prescribed or directed interventions, and report changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Evaluate vascular access and monitor arterial and venous pressures during treatment; document and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, store them according to laboratory requirements, and ensure collection by the appropriate courier.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills with appropriate disinfectant.
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 under nurse supervision.
Follow organization policies, procedures, systems, ethical business practices, and infection-control requirements.
Participate in and document CQI activities; enter treatment data accurately and promptly in the designated clinical application.
Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure signatures and omitted or corrected entries are addressed by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection-control audits and reinforce infection-control practices and education for patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee, as allowed by state law.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients as allowed by state law, and liaise with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care plan.
Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products and benefits, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup; assist with coordination of the patient's modality choice.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with supply ordering and inventory.