Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Oak Brook, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, following organization policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, helping maintain a safe and clean working environment, supporting the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, and contributing to process improvements and patient satisfaction. The technician welcomes and monitors patients, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated or legally permitted heparin administration, obtains and records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatments, monitors patient responses, manages prescribed machine settings, and reports changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor. The role also includes specimen collection and preparation, treatment and chart documentation, infection-control practices, equipment disinfection, supply management, and assistance with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, supports patient understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, helps coordinate transitions to a selected modality, and assists with supply ordering and inventory. The work includes desk and computer tasks and direct interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required, and travel to regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings may be required. The work environment is a healthcare facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. Direct care regularly involves heavy lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation. The position requires frequent, prolonged standing and bending; occasional pushing or pulling of equipment using up to 15 pounds of force; frequent lifting and lowering of solutions up to 30 pounds; and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds to a height of five feet. Assistance and material-assist devices are available for heavier items. Employees 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.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Must hold any applicable state licensure and complete required education and training.
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.
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.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including frequent prolonged standing and bending, patient lifting and movement, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment.

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.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access during treatment.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weights, including relevant assessments before treatment, before reinfusion, and before discharge.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures; monitor patient responses and evaluate patients before termination and discharge.
Respond to intradialytic problems with interventions prescribed by physician order or directed by the care team, and document interventions and patient responses.
Calculate and enter patient-specific machine programming, including ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling as prescribed; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy, including required pretreatment alarm testing and Pressure Holding Testing (PHT).
Record treatment parameters and patient information accurately and promptly on treatment sheets and in the designated clinical application; complete applicable progress notes and other documentation.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, and unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills immediately with the appropriate disinfectant and clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste; maintain a safe and clean environment.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Participate in and document ongoing CQI activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure omissions or corrections are addressed by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection-control audits, support adherence to infection-control practices, follow infection-control policies, and reinforce patient and family education under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients; liaise with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and ensure disciplines are scheduled according to the care plan.
Help patients understand home dialysis products, the benefits of home dialysis, and treatment options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup.
Assist in coordinating transitions to the patient’s chosen modality and help with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit.
Follow organization business policies, procedures, and systems, including ethical business practices.