Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Suffolk, VA

About The Position

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, following organizational policies, procedures, and training and applicable corporate, state, and federal regulations. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, patient satisfaction, and process improvement goals. The Patient Care Technician welcomes and monitors patients throughout dialysis treatment, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated tasks as permitted, obtains and records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures, monitors patient response, and reports changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor. The position also performs machine safety checks, documents treatment information, collects and prepares laboratory specimens, supports infection-control practices, and maintains treatment areas and equipment. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with facility staff, supports patients’ understanding of treatment and home-dialysis options, assists with modality transitions, and helps manage supplies and inventory. The role requires direct patient care, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, and lifting or moving patients and supplies. Work includes computer and desk tasks, interaction with patients and clinical staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious materials. The stated hourly pay range is $15.00–$24.00, depending on work location and qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet any 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 to remain employed.
Successfully complete CPR certification to remain employed.
Pass the Ishihara color blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not automatically preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient assistance and lifting, and handling solutions and equipment.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility.

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, training, and regulations.
Assist with patient-specific education about adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assess vascular access patency, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain and record pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and perform patient evaluations before, during, and after treatment.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Program dialysis machines for prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling, and ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patient responses, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide prescribed or directed interventions, document responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform machine safety checks and required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Document treatment parameters, evaluations, interventions, and other patient information accurately and promptly in the required records and clinical application.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and treatment areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills using appropriate disinfectant.
Organize and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under registered nurse supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under a nurse’s supervision.
Participate in CQI activities and infection-control audits; follow and reinforce infection-control policies and education as permitted by state law.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and arrange correction or completion of omitted entries by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
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 and coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and planned discipline visits.
Help patients understand home-dialysis products, benefits, and options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup; assist with transitions to the patient’s chosen modality.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with supply ordering and inventory.