Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Nashville, TN

11d

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 that support patient satisfaction and quality goals. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, evaluates vascular access, obtains vital signs and weights, initiates and discontinues treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures, and documents treatment information. The role includes monitoring patients’ responses to therapy, addressing problems as directed, reporting changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor, collecting laboratory specimens, and maintaining accurate clinical records. The PCT also assists with staff training and infection control activities. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT supports newly admitted patients during their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, helps patients understand treatment options and home dialysis, performs treatments on unit machines, and assists with transition planning and supply inventory. The position involves desk and computer work as well as direct patient care in a health care facility. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required, and travel to regional, Business Unit, or Corporate meetings may be required. The work environment has controlled air temperature and moderate noise levels, with possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases or materials. The job regularly involves lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation, frequent prolonged standing, bending, and occasional pushing or pulling equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
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.
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.
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 direct patient care involving regular heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation.
Ability to stand for frequent, prolonged periods and bend over; occasionally push or pull equipment with up to 15 pounds of force; frequently lift and lower solutions up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as high as five feet.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various locations in the community.

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.
Set up, operate, and perform safety checks on hemodialysis machines; conduct required pretreatment alarm testing and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law, and monitor access pressures during treatment.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, and evaluations, including standing and sitting blood pressure when indicated.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures; calculate and enter prescribed machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and modeling.
Monitor patients’ responses to dialysis therapy, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to a registered nurse or supervisor.
Document treatment parameters, patient evaluations, interventions, responses, and other required information accurately and promptly in treatment sheets, progress notes, and clinical applications.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests and collect, label, prepare, store, and arrange delivery of laboratory specimens according to requirements.
Clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills using appropriate disinfectant.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment efficiently, help prevent wastage, and assist with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and infection control audits; follow and reinforce infection control practices and education under appropriate direction.
Review treatment sheets for completeness, confirm nursing signatures, and ensure omissions are completed or corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
Support newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforce education, coordinate appointments with appropriate disciplines, and assist with transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Help patients understand home dialysis products and benefits, demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup as applicable, and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work environment and follow organizational business policies, procedures, systems, and ethical business practices.