Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care • Metropolis, IL

6d • $13 - $22

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works as part of a dialysis health care team to provide safe, effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The role follows organizational policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable state and federal regulations. The PCT sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean work environment, and participates in Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities to improve patient satisfaction and help patients meet quality goals.

The position supports patients throughout dialysis treatment, including checking their well-being, assessing vascular access, taking and recording vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing treatments, monitoring patient response, addressing treatment issues as directed, and documenting care. The PCT also obtains and prepares laboratory specimens, performs machine and safety checks, maintains infection-control practices, and assists with patient and staff education under nursing supervision.

In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, supports patients in understanding home dialysis and treatment options, helps coordinate transitions to a chosen modality, and assists with 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.
• Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program as a condition of continued employment.
• Successfully complete CPR certification as a condition of continued employment.
• Pass the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent and 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 ask about their well-being since their last treatment.
• Assess vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
• Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs and weights, including required patient identification and evaluation.
• Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
• Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine settings, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
• Monitor patient response to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
• Perform and document vascular access monitoring and interventions, including arterial and venous pressure monitoring.
• Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled and conduct patient observation and machine safety checks.
• Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, store them as required, and ensure collection by the appropriate laboratory courier.
• Document treatment information accurately and promptly in treatment sheets and designated clinical applications; review sheets for completeness and ensure omissions or corrections are addressed by appropriate staff.
• Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork and print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills with appropriate disinfectant.
• Prepare and organize supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
• Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
• Participate in CQI activities and assist with infection-control audits, education, and adherence to infection-control policies and practices.
• In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care with appropriate staff.
• Reinforce new-patient education, help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and assist with coordination of the patient's chosen modality transition.
• Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit and assist with its supply ordering and inventory.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics and follow organizational policies, procedures, and ethical business practices.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance, for bonus-eligible positions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED