Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care•Princeton, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a float position covering clinics within a one-hour radius of St. Cloud, including locations such as Little Falls, Princeton, Litchfield, Buffalo, and Mora. No previous dialysis experience is needed; on-the-job training is provided. As part of the dialysis health care team, the PCT provides safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The role includes setting up and operating hemodialysis machines, supporting a safe and clean environment, and participating in quality improvement activities focused on patient satisfaction and organizational goals. The PCT supports patients throughout dialysis treatment, including assessing vascular access, collecting vital signs and weights, initiating and monitoring treatment, responding to patient needs, documenting care, and reporting changes to a registered nurse or supervisor. The role also includes preparing and collecting laboratory specimens, maintaining treatment equipment and the treatment area, supporting infection-control practices, and assisting with patient education and transitional care. Employees must complete the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification to continue employment. The position involves travel between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required. The work environment is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, and may involve exposure to infectious or contagious diseases or materials. Day-to-day work includes computer and desk tasks as well as direct patient care involving frequent prolonged standing, bending, and regularly lifting or moving patients. The role may also require pushing or pulling equipment and lifting solutions weighing up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally. Ishihara color-vision testing is a condition of employment; failing the test does not automatically preclude employment, and reasonable accommodations may be considered. The listed pay rate is $16–$25, with the rate dependent on work location and the candidate’s qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and parental leave. Fresenius Medical Care is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet applicable Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline.
Meet any 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 and CPR certification; continued employment depends on successful completion.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and community locations.
Ability to perform the physical demands described, including frequent prolonged standing and bending; regularly lifting and moving patients; and lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.

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, procedures, training, and applicable regulations.
Set up, operate, and perform safety checks on hemodialysis machines; conduct required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding Testing, and initiate the Solution Delivery System.
Welcome patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Evaluate vascular access for patency before treatment, 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 and weights, perform patient evaluations, and complete the required treatment documentation.
Initiate and discontinue dialysis according to prescribed orders and established procedures, including programming ultrafiltration goals, treatment time, and ultrafiltration modeling as prescribed.
Monitor patients’ response to dialysis, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide interventions as prescribed or directed, and report significant changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
Ensure appropriate machine safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits, and document treatment parameters accurately and promptly.
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests; prepare, collect, label, store, and arrange collection of specimens according to laboratory requirements.
Monitor patients performing self-care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Clean and disinfect machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments, and promptly clean blood spills using appropriate disinfectant.
Prepare and organize supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.
Follow organizational business policies, procedures, ethical practices, and infection-control policies; support patient and staff adherence to infection-control practices and assist with infection-control audits.
Participate in and document Continuous Quality Improvement activities; enter treatment data accurately and timely, review treatment sheets for completeness, and ensure omissions are corrected by appropriate staff.
Prepare initial patient charts, compile paperwork, and prepare and print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
For transitional care, follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional care with appropriate staff and disciplines.
Reinforce patient and family education, including education about disease and access, dialysis adequacy, treatment options, home dialysis products and benefits, and peritoneal dialysis setup, as permitted by state law and under appropriate direction.
Set up and perform treatments on machines used in the transitional care unit, assist with coordination of patients’ modality choices, and help manage transitional care unit supplies and inventory.