Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Lincoln, NE

4d•$25 - $31

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 is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and achievement of organizational quality goals. The technician welcomes and monitors patients, evaluates vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated heparin administration where permitted, obtains vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatments according to prescribed orders and procedures, and responds to treatment issues as directed. The role includes accurate treatment documentation, laboratory specimen handling, reporting changes in patient condition, machine safety checks, and cleaning and disinfecting equipment between treatments. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician supports newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with facility staff, supports understanding of treatment and home dialysis options, performs treatments on TCU machines, and assists with modality transitions, supply ordering, and inventory. The position involves direct patient care, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and may require travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational 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 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 that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation.
Ability to stand for frequent, prolonged periods and bend over.
Ability to occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force.
Ability to frequently lift and lower solutions weighing up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as five feet.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education about dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access as appropriate and within applicable scope.
Welcome patients, inquire about their wellbeing, and evaluate vascular access and patient status before, during, and after treatment.
Perform vascular access cannulation and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter patient-specific dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Identify and respond to intradialytic problems and unusual patient status as prescribed or directed; document interventions and patient responses.
Monitor vascular access pressures during treatment, intervene as needed, and report unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Accurately complete treatment sheets, progress notes where applicable, clinical application entries, and other required patient treatment records.
Report significant information and changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
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, clean, and aesthetically appropriate environment and follow organizational policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, confirm required nursing signatures, and ensure omitted entries are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork for admission and placement in the chart.
Prepare or print laboratory requisitions and ensure specimens are collected by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Assist with infection control audits, support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices, follow infection control policies, and reinforce patient and family education as directed.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Coordinate 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, treatment options, and peritoneal dialysis setup.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with transitions to the patient's chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.