Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•King George, VA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role follows organization policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable regulations. The technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean work environment, and participates in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and quality goals. The PCT supports patients throughout dialysis treatment, including evaluating vascular access, obtaining weights and vital signs, initiating and discontinuing prescribed treatment, monitoring patient responses, responding to treatment issues as directed, and documenting care. The role also involves collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, supporting infection-control practices, maintaining equipment and supplies, and assisting with patient education and staff training under appropriate supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with facility staff, supports patients in understanding treatment and modality options, and assists with equipment setup, supply ordering, and inventory. This role provides direct patient care and requires travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community. The work environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials may occur. The position involves regular heavy lifting and moving of patients, frequent prolonged standing and bending, occasional pushing or pulling of equipment, and lifting solutions frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds. Employees must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the applicable state or CMS timeline.
Must hold any applicable state licensure and complete required education and training.
Continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.
Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing and bending, patient lifting and moving, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assist with patient-specific education regarding dialysis adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access, as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment weights and vital signs, and evaluate vascular access before treatment.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow, and program ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and modeling as prescribed.
Monitor patients’ responses to therapy, evaluate intradialytic problems, and provide interventions as prescribed or directed.
Perform treatment reinfusion and discontinuation procedures, obtain required vital signs, assess patients before discharge, and obtain hemostasis and apply dressings.
Ensure prescribed safety alarms are enabled and conduct machine safety checks and required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test (PHT).
Document treatment parameters, assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly in treatment records and clinical applications.
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 promptly with appropriate disinfectant and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organization policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Maintain a safe and clean environment and participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure required nursing signatures are documented, and arrange correction or completion of omitted entries by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare and print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Support infection-control practices, assist with infection-control audits, and reinforce infection-control education for patients and families as allowed by state law.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients and liaise with facility staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care.
Help patients understand home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup.
Assist with coordinating transition to the patient’s chosen modality and with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit.