Patient Care Technician - PCT CCHT - Dialysis

Fresenius Medical Care•Macclenny, FL

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician functions as part of the dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and in accordance with organization policies, procedures, training, and applicable regulations. The technician sets up and operates hemodialysis machines, helps maintain a safe and clean working environment, and supports the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, patient satisfaction, and process improvement goals. Duties include welcoming and monitoring patients, assessing vascular access, cannulating access and administering heparin when delegated or permitted by law, obtaining and documenting vital signs and weights, initiating and discontinuing dialysis according to prescribed orders, programming treatment parameters, monitoring patient responses, and reporting changes or unusual findings to a nurse or supervisor. The technician performs machine safety checks, documents treatments and interventions, obtains and prepares laboratory specimens, maintains supplies, and cleans and disinfects equipment and treatment areas. The role also supports staff training, infection-control practices, CQI documentation, and clinical recordkeeping. In the Transitional Care Unit, the technician follows newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis, reinforces education, coordinates care with appropriate staff, supports patients’ understanding of treatment and home dialysis options, helps with modality transitions, and assists with TCU supply ordering and inventory. The job involves work in a health care facility and travel between assigned facilities and community locations; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required. Work includes computer and desk tasks, interaction with patients and staff, exposure to infectious or contagious materials, frequent standing and bending, and regular patient lifting and moving. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and satisfaction of applicable CMS-approved certification and state licensure, education, and training requirements. Continued employment depends on successful completion of the dialysis training program and CPR certification.

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.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s culture, values, and customer service standards.
Successful completion of the organization dialysis training program is required for continued employment.
Successful completion of CPR certification is required for continued employment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent prolonged standing, bending, assisting with patient ambulation and movement, and lifting or lowering solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility is preferred.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse and according to applicable policies, procedures, training, and regulations.
Welcome assigned patients and ask about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
Assess vascular access, perform cannulation, and administer heparin when delegated or permitted by state law.
Obtain and document pre-, intra-, and post-treatment vital signs, weights, vascular access evaluations, and treatment parameters.
Initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders and established procedures.
Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming, including ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, and UF modeling, and ensure required safety alarms are enabled.
Monitor patient response to therapy, evaluate intradialytic problems, provide prescribed interventions, and report changes or unusual findings to a nurse or supervisor.
Document treatments, vital signs, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly in the appropriate records and clinical applications.
Conduct machine safety checks and required pretreatment alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT), and initiate the Solution Delivery System (SDS).
Obtain prescribed laboratory tests, prepare and label specimens, store them according to specifications, and ensure collection by the appropriate laboratory courier.
Clean and disinfect dialysis machines, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments; promptly clean blood spills according to facility policy.
Prepare, organize, and efficiently use supplies and equipment; assist with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit.
Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision and assist with training applicable direct patient care staff under nurse supervision.
Participate in CQI activities and infection-control audits, follow infection-control procedures, and reinforce infection-control education for patients and families as allowed by law.
Prepare initial patient charts, compile paperwork, prepare laboratory requisitions, review treatment sheets for completeness, and ensure corrections or omitted entries are completed by appropriate staff.
Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care with appropriate staff.
Reinforce education and help patients understand treatment options, home dialysis products and benefits, and peritoneal dialysis setup; assist with coordination of transition to the patient’s chosen modality.
Maintain a safe and clean environment and follow organization business policies, procedures, and ethical practices.