Patient Care Technican - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Greensboro, NC

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 is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean work environment, and participating in Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities focused on patient satisfaction and quality goals. The technician welcomes and monitors patients, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated heparin administration where permitted, records vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues prescribed dialysis treatments, and responds to treatment issues as directed. The role documents treatment parameters and patient responses, reports changes in condition, collects and prepares laboratory specimens, performs machine safety checks, and maintains infection-control practices and a clean treatment area. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education within the scope allowed by state law, coordinates care with facility staff, supports understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, assists with transition to a chosen modality, and helps manage supplies and inventory. The work includes desk and computer tasks, interaction with patients and clinical staff, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The healthcare-facility environment has controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels and may involve exposure to infectious or contagious materials. Direct patient care includes frequent standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and assisting with ambulation. The role may require pushing or pulling equipment and lifting solutions weighing up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally, including to a height of five feet; assistance devices and coworkers are available for heavier items.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrate commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization's dialysis training program to continue employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification to continue employment.
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 of direct patient care, including frequent and prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, and assisting with ambulation.
Ability to lift solutions frequently up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds to a height of five feet; occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and assess access before and during treatment.
Obtain and document pre-, intradialytic, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, including standing and sitting blood pressure as required.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis-machine programming, including ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patient response to treatment, evaluate problems, provide interventions as directed or prescribed, document responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform machine safety checks and required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Record accurate and timely treatment information in the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and designated clinical applications; complete applicable progress notes and ensure records are complete.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare requisitions; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory specifications.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments, and immediately clean blood spills with appropriate disinfectant.
Prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage; maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment.
Monitor patients performing self-care under registered nurse supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on programs under nurse supervision.
Participate in and document CQI activities, infection-control audits, and infection-control education and adherence activities as directed.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education for new patients and families as permitted by state law; support understanding of home dialysis products, benefits, and treatment options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup.
Coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, ensure disciplines are scheduled according to plan, and assist with transition to the patient's chosen modality.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with TCU supply ordering and inventory.
Follow organizational business policies, procedures, and systems, including ethical business practices.