Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Ewa Beach, HI

8d•$18 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician functions as part of a 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 includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean treatment environment, and participating in quality improvement activities related to patient satisfaction and organizational goals. This position is assigned to the Hawaii Union Regional Float Pool. Employees must float to Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island according to critical staffing needs. Assignments are issued one month at a time, with a required travel duration of at least one month per assignment and possible extensions of up to three months. The technician performs and documents patient assessments and dialysis treatments, monitors patients and vascular access, responds to treatment concerns as directed, and reports significant changes to a registered nurse or supervisor. Duties also include preparing and processing laboratory specimens, maintaining treatment equipment and the care environment, supporting infection-control practices, and assisting with staff training under nursing supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the role supports newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education as permitted by law, and helps coordinate care and transitions to the patient's chosen modality. The work includes desk and computer tasks as well as direct patient care in a healthcare facility. It requires travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and may include travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings. The employee may be exposed to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. Physical demands include frequent and prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, pushing or pulling equipment, and frequently lifting solutions up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds as high as five feet. Assistance and material-handling devices are available for heavier items. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered. A high school diploma or GED is required. The employee must meet applicable CMS-approved state or national certification requirements within the required timeline and complete the organization's dialysis training program and CPR certification to remain employed. Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred. The hourly pay range is $18.00 to $29.00, depending on work location and qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Must meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.
Must float to all Hawaiian Islands, including Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island, based on staffing needs.
Must travel for at least one month per float assignment; assignments may be extended up to three months.
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 perform the physical demands described, including frequent standing and lifting, moving, or assisting patients; accommodations may be made.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Provide patient-specific education on dialysis adequacy measures and disease or access matters, as appropriate and permitted.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and other patient evaluations.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow settings.
Calculate and enter prescribed machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patients' response to dialysis, conduct machine safety checks, evaluate treatment problems, and provide or document interventions as directed.
Discontinue dialysis according to established procedures, obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patients before discharge.
Document treatment parameters, patient assessments, interventions, and other required information accurately and promptly; review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate signatures.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, and unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, arrange appropriate storage, and ensure collection by the laboratory courier.
Clean blood spills and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Complete assigned Continuous Quality Improvement activities and enter treatment data into the designated clinical application.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork and prepare or print laboratory requisitions as required.
Support infection-control audits, adherence to infection-control practices, and patient and family infection-control education under the direction of the Center Manager 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 scheduled visits from relevant disciplines, and support patient understanding of home dialysis products and treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup, and help coordinate transitions to the patient's chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics and ensure work areas are safe and clean.
Travel to facilities and locations as required by float-pool assignments and organizational meetings.