Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Homestead, FL

About The Position

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. Assists with home dialysis equipment setup and maintaining a safe, clean environment for the home therapy program. Supports quality improvement and patient satisfaction efforts and participates in process improvement activities. The role supports home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, including reinforcing training, assisting with treatments and equipment, collecting and tracking clinical information, preparing laboratory specimens, and helping manage supplies and appointments. Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN) and only as permitted by applicable laws and policies. The position also includes clerical and facility-support duties, collaboration with patients and interdisciplinary team members, and participation in staff recruitment, orientation, and training activities. Work includes desk and computer tasks, direct patient care, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The healthcare work environment has controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious materials.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid PCT national certification or state-specific certification as defined by CMS.
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.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting patients with lifting, moving, and ambulation, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.

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 clinic visit intake forms.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, care partners, the HT RN, other staff, providers, and team members.
Obtain and review treatment records for completion, and report missing or abnormal information to the HT RN.
Assist with electronic reconciliation of home treatments, medications, and oral nutritional supplements; report missing information or orders to the HT RN.
Assist HT RNs with home visits and provide home support when applicable and permitted.
Prepare supplies for prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for shipping.
Assist with tracking and shipping transplant-related laboratory specimens and reinforce transplant education.
Complete and document opening and closing daily chores.
Disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, tables, and other equipment between patient 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 use of connected health.
Assist patients and care partners with supplies and inventory ordering and management; maintain logs and tracking.
Order and track clinic or office supplies as directed.
Participate in medical records, infection control, and other audits as directed.
Collaborate during staff huddles and meetings.
Collect required patient admission documentation and prepare and maintain electronic and/or hard-copy patient charts as directed.
Perform clerical duties such as answering phones, faxing, email, and contacting provider offices.
For HHD, set up, tear down, program, test, and disinfect machines; troubleshoot machinery, tools, and connectivity; prepare dialysate and treatment supplies as directed.
For HHD, evaluate dialysis access before treatment, 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 in patient status to the HT RN, provide and document permitted interventions as directed, obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, and ensure access hemostasis before leaving the treatment area.
Assist with quarterly, semi-annual, and annual water and dialysate testing as directed.
For PD, reinforce training; 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.
Assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training for appropriate home therapies staff, and orient facility staff to the organization.
Partner with interdisciplinary team members to develop ideas that improve awareness of Home Therapies among in-center staff and patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.