Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Fort Pierce, FL

15d

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 includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and supporting the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement activities, patient satisfaction, and process improvement efforts. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, performs pre- and post-treatment assessments, obtains vital signs and weights, evaluates and cannulates vascular access, and initiates, monitors, and discontinues dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures. The position includes responding to intradialytic problems as directed, documenting treatment parameters and patient responses, reporting changes in condition, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, and completing required patient and treatment records. The PCT also assists with staff training under nurse supervision, infection-control activities, equipment preparation and disinfection, supply management, and continuous quality improvement documentation. In a Transitional Care Unit, the role follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, supports understanding of treatment and home-dialysis options, helps coordinate transitions to a chosen modality, and assists with equipment, supplies, and inventory. The position involves direct patient care and work in a health care facility, travel between assigned facilities and community locations, and possible travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings. Employees may be exposed to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. Work includes frequent, prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient movement and ambulation, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment. A color-vision test is required as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Hold any applicable state licensure and complete any required education and training.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successfully complete the organization’s dialysis training program to remain employed.
Successfully complete CPR certification to remain employed.
Be able to perform direct patient care tasks involving frequent, prolonged standing, bending, patient movement and ambulation assistance, and lifting or lowering solutions and equipment as described in the physical demands.

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 organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access during treatment.
Obtain and document pre- and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and patient evaluations, including initial identification and standing and sitting blood pressure as applicable.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter prescribed machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling, and ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled.
Assess patient responses to dialysis, identify intradialytic problems, perform interventions as prescribed or directed, document responses, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Perform machine safety checks and monitor vascular access and arterial and venous pressures during treatment.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange courier collection of specimens according to laboratory specifications.
Clean blood spills promptly with appropriate disinfectant and prepare, organize, and use supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Follow organizational policies, procedures, systems, ethical business practices, and infection-control policies; support staff and patient adherence to infection-control practices and assist with infection-control audits and education as allowed by state law.
Maintain a safe, clean environment and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare dialysis treatments, perform and document required machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Complete and document participation in Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and promptly; review treatment sheets for completeness and appropriate signatures; and ensure omissions or corrections are completed by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
In the Transitional Care Unit, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
Reinforce education and care information for new patients, liaise with appropriate staff to support the patient experience and scheduled care, and assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, benefits, and options.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup, and assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Assist with Transitional Care Unit supply ordering and inventory.