Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Houma, LA

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 involves setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean environment, and participating in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and organizational quality goals. Duties must follow organizational policies and procedures, applicable regulations, and required training. The PCT welcomes and monitors patients, assesses vascular access, performs cannulation and delegated tasks where permitted, initiates and discontinues dialysis according to prescribed orders, monitors treatment and patient response, and documents treatment information. The role also involves collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, maintaining equipment and treatment areas, supporting infection control, and assisting with patient and staff education under appropriate supervision. In the Transitional Care Unit, the PCT follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with other staff, supports understanding of home dialysis and treatment options, and assists with transition planning and unit supply inventory. The work includes desk and computer tasks, direct patient care, and travel between assigned facilities and community locations. The employee works in a healthcare environment with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, and may be exposed to infectious materials. Physical duties include frequent prolonged standing, bending, lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, and handling dialysis solutions and equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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 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 demands described, including frequent standing, bending, patient lifting and moving, and handling dialysis solutions and equipment.
Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failing the test does not preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, training, and applicable regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their previous treatment.
Assess vascular access patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and record pre- and post-treatment weight and vital signs, and perform vascular access evaluations.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Assess patients’ responses to therapy and intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Calculate and enter prescribed dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and UF modeling.
Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled and perform patient and machine safety checks according to facility policy.
Document treatment parameters, vital signs, evaluations, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly in the required records and clinical applications.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Prepare and efficiently use supplies and equipment, and promptly clean blood spills using appropriate disinfectant.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.
Assist with training applicable direct patient care staff on programs under nurse supervision.
Maintain a safe, clean environment and clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments.
Prepare for treatments, conduct required machine alarm tests including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure required signatures and corrections are completed by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts and paperwork, and prepare or print laboratory requisitions.
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 through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care.
Reinforce education for new patients, liaise with facility staff to coordinate care and appointments, and help patients understand home dialysis products and treatment options, including peritoneal dialysis setup demonstrations.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the Transitional Care Unit, assist with transitions to patients’ selected modalities, and help coordinate supplies and inventory.