Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis Preceptor

Fresenius Medical Care•Eureka, CA

3d•$25 - $30

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician functions as part of the dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean environment, and supports the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. The position provides direct patient care throughout dialysis treatment, including assessing vascular access, taking vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing treatments, monitoring patient responses, documenting treatment information, and reporting changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor. The technician also supports patient education, specimen collection, infection control, equipment preparation, and accurate clinical recordkeeping. As a preceptor, the technician participates in recruiting and orienting clinical staff, provides training and developmental support, and conducts competency evaluations and audits for other PCTs. The role collaborates with clinical managers, education coordinators, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members on training, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and infection prevention. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, coordinates transitional care, supports education about treatment and home dialysis options, assists with modality transitions, and helps manage supplies and inventory.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
All applicable state licensure, education, and training required for the role.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Attendance and active participation in applicable preceptor training programs.
Continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education about dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access as appropriate.
Welcome patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, and assess vascular access.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patients’ response to treatment, address intradialytic problems as directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, evaluations, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and store specimens according to laboratory specifications, and ensure collection by the appropriate courier.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage, and clean blood spills and treatment areas according to facility policy.
Observe patients performing self-care and assist as applicable under RN supervision.
Participate in recruitment, clinical orientation, ongoing training, and staff development as a preceptor.
Conduct ongoing competency evaluations and audits for other PCTs.
Collaborate with clinical managers, education coordinators, nurses, and interdisciplinary staff on training, quality standards, regulatory compliance, and CQI activities.
Support education about facility water systems, environmental integrity, patient and staff safety, and infection control.
Participate in infection control audits and reinforce infection control practices among staff, patients, and families as directed.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Help patients understand treatment options, home dialysis products and benefits, and peritoneal dialysis setup; assist with transition to their chosen modality.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with its supply ordering and inventory.
Complete CQI documentation, enter treatment data, review treatment sheets for completeness, prepare initial patient charts, and prepare laboratory requisitions.