Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Kingman, AZ

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, following organizational policies, procedures, and training and applicable regulations. The role is responsible for setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting the organization's Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities. The technician welcomes and monitors patients, evaluates vascular access, obtains pre- and post-treatment measurements, initiates and discontinues dialysis treatments, monitors patient response, and documents treatment information. The role also performs machine safety checks, reports changes in patient condition, obtains and prepares laboratory specimens, supports infection-control practices, and assists with staff and patient education as permitted by state law. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with relevant staff, supports understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, and assists with modality transitions, equipment use, supplies, and inventory.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet applicable CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet all applicable state licensure, education, and training requirements.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational 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 direct patient care, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment as described.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last 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 vital signs and weights, including patient identification and vascular access evaluations.
Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders and calculate and enter patient-specific machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Monitor patients and evaluate intradialytic problems; intervene as prescribed or directed and document patient responses.
Perform functions necessary to discontinue treatment, obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patients before discharge.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Record accurate, timely treatment parameters and patient information on treatment sheets and in designated clinical applications.
Report significant information, changes in patient condition, unusual findings, and vascular access concerns 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 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 under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe and clean environment; clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis treatments, perform required pretreatment machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate signatures.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, print laboratory requisitions, and ensure specimens are collected by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Assist with infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices, and support patient and family education under the direction of the CM or designee as permitted by state law.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional care.
Reinforce education for new patients, coordinate staff involvement according to the care plan, and support patient understanding of home dialysis products and treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with transitions to patients' chosen modalities.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.