Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care • East Peoria, IL

3d • $16 - $26

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician functions as part of a dialysis health care team, providing 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 setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean treatment environment, and participating in quality improvement activities focused on patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The technician welcomes and monitors patients before, during, and after treatment; assesses vascular access; performs cannulation and delegated tasks such as heparin administration where permitted; initiates and discontinues treatments according to orders and procedures; monitors patient response and intervenes as directed; and accurately records treatment information. The role also includes preparing and processing laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and supplies, following infection-control practices, and supporting staff training under nurse supervision.

In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician helps coordinate newly admitted patients’ first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, supports understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, assists with transitions to a chosen modality, and helps manage supplies and inventory.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
• Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
• Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of direct patient care, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting solutions and other items as described in the posting.
• Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

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, following organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
• Set up and operate hemodialysis machines and conduct required machine safety checks and pretreatment alarm testing.
• Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Assess vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
• Obtain and record pre- and post-treatment weights and vital signs, and perform pre-treatment vascular access evaluations.
• Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
• Calculate and enter patient-specific machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
• Monitor patient responses and vascular access during treatment, identify problems or unusual findings, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, document responses, and report significant changes to a registered nurse or supervisor.
• Complete required treatment documentation, including treatment sheets, progress notes when applicable, vital signs, treatment parameters, and patient evaluations.
• Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
• Clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills using 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 on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment and follow organizational policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
• Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and promptly; review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate corrections.
• Prepare initial patient charts and compile paperwork for placement in the chart; prepare and print laboratory requisitions.
• Assist with infection-control audits, support adherence to infection-control practices, follow infection-control policies, and reinforce patient and family education under direction and as permitted 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 matters for new patients, liaise with facility staff to coordinate services, and help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options.
• Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup as appropriate.
• Assist with coordination of transitions to patients’ chosen treatment modalities and with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Potential performance-based bonuses for bonus-eligible positions, depending on company and individual performance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED