Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care • Holland, MI

11d • Onsite

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 technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean working environment, and participates in the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and other process-improvement activities intended to support patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The PCT welcomes and monitors patients before, during, and after dialysis; performs vascular access assessments and cannulation; obtains and documents vital signs and weights; initiates and discontinues treatments according to orders and procedures; and responds to patient or machine issues under the direction of nursing staff. The position also includes treatment documentation, specimen collection and preparation, infection-control practices, machine and area cleaning, and support for staff training.

In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician supports newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education within the bounds of state law, coordinates care with facility staff, helps patients understand treatment and home-dialysis options, and assists with supplies and inventory.

The role is based in a health care facility and includes interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians, along with travel between assigned facilities and community locations. Work may involve exposure to infectious or contagious materials, frequent standing and bending, and regular lifting or moving of patients and supplies. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Employees 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
• Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
• Demonstrate commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program to continue employment.
• Successfully complete CPR certification for continued employment.
• 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 the described essential physical functions, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting solutions and supplies as specified; assistance and material-assist devices are available for heavier items.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
• Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
• Assess 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 and weights, including patient identification and relevant evaluations.
• Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood and dialysate flow settings, and calculate and enter prescribed ultrafiltration goals, treatment times, and UF modeling.
• Enable appropriate machine safety alarms and conduct patient and machine safety checks according to facility policy.
• Monitor patient responses to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, document responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Discontinue treatment according to established procedures, obtain hemostasis, apply appropriate dressings, evaluate the patient before discharge, and complete related documentation.
• Record accurate and timely treatment information, vital signs, parameters, interventions, and progress notes when applicable.
• Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange delivery of specimens according to laboratory specifications.
• Clean blood spills promptly using the appropriate disinfectant and maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.
• Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
• Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
• Prepare for dialysis treatments, conduct required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
• Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities, enter treatment data into the designated clinical application, and review treatment sheets for completeness and corrections.
• Prepare initial patient charts and admission paperwork, and prepare and print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
• Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce adherence to infection-control practices, follow infection-control policies and procedures, and support patient and family education 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 matters for new patients as allowed by state law, liaise with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, and help ensure disciplines are scheduled according to the care plan.
• Help patients understand home-dialysis products and benefits, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup; assist with transition 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.
• Follow organizational business policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.

What This Job Offers

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