Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Houston, TX

15d

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 follows organizational policies, procedures, and training, as well as applicable state and federal regulations. The technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean treatment environment, and participates in Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities focused on patient satisfaction and quality goals. The position provides direct patient support before, during, and after dialysis treatments. Duties include assessing vascular access, collecting vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures, monitoring patients and machines, documenting treatment information, responding to changes in patient status, and reporting concerns to a registered nurse or supervisor. The technician also supports patient education, laboratory specimen handling, infection control, staff training, and, where assigned, transitional dialysis care for newly admitted patients.

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.
Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to perform the physical functions described, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, patient lifting and moving, and lifting solutions and equipment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assist with patient-specific education about dialysis adequacy, disease processes, vascular access, and treatment options as appropriate and permitted by state law.
Assess vascular access patency, cannulate access, administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain and document pre-, during-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, evaluations, and treatment parameters.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis according to prescribed orders and established procedures, including machine programming for ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and modeling.
Evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, monitor patient response, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform machine safety checks and ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Clean blood spills and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas according to facility policy.
Prepare and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste; maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment.
Monitor patients performing self-care under registered nurse supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Enter treatment data accurately and promptly, complete treatment records and progress notes as applicable, review treatment sheets for completeness, and ensure omissions are corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts, compile paperwork, prepare laboratory requisitions, and coordinate laboratory specimen pickup.
Participate in and document CQI activities; assist with infection-control audits, reinforce infection-control practices, and support infection-control education for patients and families as directed.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care and education.
Coordinate with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and ensure disciplines are scheduled according to the care plan.
Support patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, 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 its supply ordering and inventory.