Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Salisbury, MD

9d•$16 - $25•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 includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean work environment, and participating in quality enhancement and continuous quality improvement activities. The position requires dialysis experience and includes direct patient care, treatment documentation, infection control, and support for patients transitioning to dialysis care and modality options. The technician welcomes patients, monitors their well-being and response to treatment, 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 documents treatment details. The role also includes responding to intradialytic issues, reporting changes in patient condition, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and treatment areas, and supporting staff training under nurse supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with facility staff, supports understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, and assists with modality transitions and supply inventory. The role involves work in a health care facility, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and possible travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings. It includes regular direct patient care and physical activity such as lifting and moving patients and supplies. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and completion of applicable CMS-approved certification requirements within the relevant timeline. Continued employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification. Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility is preferred. Hourly pay is listed as $16–$25, depending on location and qualifications. The position offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and parental leave.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Dialysis experience; the posting identifies this as a requirement for the per-diem position.
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.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program for continued employment.
Successfully complete CPR certification for continued employment.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Ability to perform the stated physical demands, including frequent standing and bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting or lowering supplies and solutions.

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 applicable policies, procedures, training, and regulations.
Set up, operate, and perform safety checks on hemodialysis machines; conduct required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their well-being since their prior treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, weights, vascular access evaluations, and other required treatment information.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders, including blood flow and dialysate flow, and calculate and enter prescribed machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Monitor patient response and vascular access during treatment, assess intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Discontinue dialysis according to established procedures, obtain required pre-reinfusion vital signs, evaluate the patient before termination and discharge, obtain hemostasis, and apply appropriate dressings.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions and responses, progress notes when applicable, and other required information accurately and promptly.
Ensure required safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills promptly using appropriate disinfectant and maintain a safe, clean, and orderly treatment environment.
Prepare, organize, and efficiently use supplies and equipment 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.
Follow organization policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices; participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Clean and disinfect the dialysis machine, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, verify nursing signatures, and ensure omissions are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Assist with infection-control audits, support adherence to infection-control practices, follow infection-control policies, and reinforce patient and family education under the direction of the CM or designee as permitted by state law.
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 with appropriate staff to support the patient experience, and help ensure disciplines see patients according to plan.
Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, the benefits of home dialysis, and treatment options, including demonstrating peritoneal dialysis setup.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality, and support TCU supply ordering and inventory.