Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Fort Worth, TX

10h

About The Position

Functions as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, following organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable state and federal regulations. The role assists with home dialysis equipment setup and maintaining a safe, clean environment for the home therapy program. Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), as permitted by law and policy. The technician supports quality improvement and patient satisfaction efforts and participates in process improvement activities. The position supports patients receiving home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). General duties include welcoming patients, collecting vital signs and weights, reviewing treatment records, supporting medication and nutrition reconciliation, preparing laboratory specimens, scheduling appointments, maintaining supplies and records, disinfecting equipment, and preparing training and treatment spaces. The technician may assist with home visits and provide other home support as applicable and permitted. For HHD, the technician reinforces training; prepares, tests, operates, and disinfects equipment as directed; prepares dialysate and treatment supplies; monitors and documents treatment and patient status; performs safety checks; and reports abnormal findings or significant changes to the HT RN. For PD, duties include reinforcing training, troubleshooting cyclers and connectivity, performing prescribed phlebotomy when qualified, preparing cyclers and solutions, and assisting with exit-site care as directed. The role may also support staff recruitment, orientation, ongoing training, and awareness of Home Therapies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
Any applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the role.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s 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 position’s physical demands, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of previous patient-care experience in a hospital setting or related facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Reinforce home hemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis training as permitted by law.
Welcome patients; obtain vital signs and weights; and gather information for the Clinic Visit Intake form.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, the HT RN, patient-care staff, providers, and other team members.
Obtain and review treatment records for completion and report missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
Assist with electronic home treatment, medication, and oral nutritional supplement reconciliation, reporting missing data or orders to the HT RN.
Assist HT RNs with home visits and provide applicable, permissible home support.
Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and specimens for shipment; assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document daily opening and closing chores; disinfect dialysis equipment and other surfaces between visits and routinely.
Prepare and stock exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms; manage supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.
Schedule patient appointments and contact patients or caregivers with dates, times, and reminders.
Support patient registration and connected-health use; assist patients and care partners with supply ordering and inventory management.
Maintain logs and tracking; order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical-record, infection-control, and other audits as directed; collaborate during staff huddles and meetings.
Collect documentation for patient admission and prepare and maintain electronic or hard-copy patient charts as directed.
Perform assigned clerical duties, including answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
For HHD, set up, tear down, program, test, and disinfect the machine as directed; troubleshoot machinery, tools, and connectivity issues.
For HHD, prepare dialysate and treatment supplies according to directions and standing or provider orders.
For HHD, evaluate dialysis access, document findings, initiate treatment, monitor and document patient status, vital signs, and machine data, and perform safety checks at required intervals.
For HHD, report significant changes to the HT RN; provide and document interventions as directed and permissible; collect and document pre- and post-treatment vitals; and ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
For PD, troubleshoot cyclers, modems, and connectivity; perform prescribed phlebotomy when qualified; set up cyclers and prepare and warm PD solutions as directed; assist with exit-site care; and help track PD equipment.
Participate in recruitment of new clinical staff and assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training of appropriate home therapies and facility personnel.
Partner with interdisciplinary team members to develop ideas for increasing Home Therapies awareness among in-center staff and patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.