Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Westminster, CA

6d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works as part of the dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, helping maintain a safe and clean work environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. The position contributes to patient satisfaction and process improvements intended to help patients achieve quality goals. The technician provides patient education and care before, during, and after dialysis treatments; monitors patient condition and treatment response; documents treatment information; collects and prepares laboratory specimens; and follows infection-control and facility procedures. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician supports newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, helps coordinate care and modality transitions, and assists with equipment and supply needs. The work includes desk and computer duties and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required, and travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required. The healthcare work environment has controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. Direct patient care involves frequent, prolonged standing, bending, heavy lifting and moving of patients, and assisting with ambulation. The role may also involve pushing or pulling equipment and lifting solutions. Equipment, coworkers, two-person assistance, and material-assist devices may be used as needed. A high school diploma or GED is required. The technician 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 continue employment. Prior patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred. The listed hourly rate is $25.00–$30.00, depending on location and qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and parental leave.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
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 the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification to continue employment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient assistance and movement, and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Complete the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures, disease processes, and vascular access as appropriate.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Assess vascular access patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment weight and vital signs, including required vascular access evaluations.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood-flow and dialysate-flow settings.
Evaluate and respond to intradialytic problems as prescribed or directed, monitor patient response, and report changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform required treatment discontinuation procedures, obtain vital signs before reinfusion, assess patients before treatment termination and discharge, obtain hemostasis, and apply dressings.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling; ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Record accurate, timely treatment parameters and patient information on treatment sheets and in the clinical application; complete applicable progress notes and documentation.
Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; document interventions and patient responses.
Monitor vascular access pressures during treatment, intervene as needed, and document and report unusual findings.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare requisitions, collect and label specimens, store them according to requirements, and ensure courier collection.
Clean blood spills promptly using appropriate disinfectant and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organizational business policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.
Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for dialysis treatments, perform required pretreatment machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Test, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure omissions or corrections are handled by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork for appropriate placement.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce adherence to infection-control practices, follow infection-control procedures, and support patient and family education under the direction of the CM 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 care.
Reinforce education and care matters for new patients as allowed by state law, and liaise with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and support understanding of treatment options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with coordination of the patient’s modality transition, and help order and maintain supplies and inventory.