Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Chicago, IL

6d•$17 - $27•Onsite

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, supporting a safe and clean environment, documenting patient treatments, and participating in quality improvement activities. No prior dialysis experience is required; on-the-job dialysis training is provided. The technician welcomes and monitors patients, obtains vital signs and weights, evaluates vascular access, initiates and discontinues dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders, and responds to treatment concerns as directed. The role also includes collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and supplies, following infection-control procedures, and supporting patients who are learning about dialysis care and treatment options. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician helps coordinate newly admitted patients’ first four weeks of dialysis and supports their transition to a chosen treatment modality. This is a full-time position for 40 hours per week at the Chicago clinic. Clinic hours vary by day, and the schedule includes rotating shifts and days, with some shifts starting at 3:30 a.m. Shifts may last 8–16 hours. The work takes place in a health care facility and involves direct patient care, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, frequent standing and bending, and regular lifting and moving of patients and supplies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Must meet applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
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, assisting with patient movement, and lifting supplies and solutions.
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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and evaluate vascular access.
Cannulate vascular access and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and modeling as prescribed.
Monitor patient responses, assess vascular access and machine safety, intervene as directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, and related information accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange appropriate collection of specimens.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently, conduct machine alarm testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and infection-control audits and practices.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Prepare initial patient charts, review treatment sheets for completeness, and prepare laboratory requisitions.
Follow newly admitted Transitional Care Unit patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care with appropriate staff.
Reinforce patient education and help patients understand treatment options, home dialysis, and peritoneal dialysis setup, as permitted by state law.
Assist with coordination of patients’ transition to their chosen modality and help manage Transitional Care Unit supplies and inventory.