Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Wadesboro, NC

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 includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, performs pre- and post-treatment assessments, obtains vital signs and weights, evaluates and cannulates vascular access, initiates and discontinues dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures, monitors machine safety and patient response, and documents treatment information. The role also includes collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, supporting infection-control practices, maintaining treatment equipment and supplies, and assisting with staff training under nursing supervision. In a Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, supports patients in understanding treatment and modality options, assists with transitions to patients’ chosen modalities, and helps manage supplies and inventory.

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.
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.
Take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
Ability to perform direct patient care involving heavy lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation; frequent prolonged standing and bending; occasional pushing or pulling of equipment with up to 15 pounds of force; frequent lifting and lowering of solutions up to 30 pounds; and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds as high as 5 feet. Assistance and material-assist devices are available for heavier items.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education on dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access as appropriate and under applicable supervision.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, including initial patient identification.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled and perform required patient and machine safety checks.
Monitor patients’ response to therapy, assess and intervene in intradialytic problems as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Evaluate vascular access during treatment, monitor arterial and venous pressures, and document and report unusual findings.
Obtain hemostasis, apply appropriate dressings, and evaluate patients before discharge.
Record treatment parameters, vital signs, interventions, patient responses, and other required information accurately and promptly in treatment records and clinical applications.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly using appropriate disinfectant and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
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; 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 ongoing CQI activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and follow up on missing or corrected entries as appropriate.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare and print laboratory requisitions.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices, and participate in patient and family education under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed 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 information for new patients, coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, and help ensure disciplines are scheduled according to plan.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, treatment options, and 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.