Patient Care Technician- PCT

Fresenius Medical Care is seeking a Patient Care Technician (PCT) to join the hemodialysis healthcare team. In this role, you will support safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. You will be responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, patient care activities, equipment maintenance, and clinical documentation.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment; report any complaints or observations to the nurse supervisor
• Evaluate vascular access for patency and report any unusual findings
• Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; report unusual findings
• Perform vascular access evaluation and cannulation; report any difficulties or unusual findings
• Administer Heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD)
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed by the nurse supervisor
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy and report any unusual findings
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and perform all relevant functions necessary for treatment discontinuation
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures
• Evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access using standing and sitting blood pressure measurements
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge and report any unusual findings
• Calculate and enter individual patients' dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, sodium (Na) modeling, and UF modeling as prescribed
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification
• Document all information related to patient treatment, including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes as applicable
• Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report any changes or unusual findings
• Evaluate patients' vascular access during treatment, including arterial and venous monitoring pressures; provide appropriate intervention as needed and document findings
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection
• Assist other healthcare members in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures (Online Clearance Monitoring, Adequacy Monitoring Program, Urea Kinetic Modeling) and disease process/access as appropriate

Maintenance and Technical Responsibilities

• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate
• Perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT)
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS)
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage

Clerical and Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and in a timely manner
• Review treatment sheets for completeness; ensure nursing signatures are documented and omitted entries are completed or corrected
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart
• Prepare lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens according to laboratory destination
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare, and store lab samples according to required laboratory specifications
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier

Customer Service

• Drive the Fresenius Medical Care culture through values and customer service standards
• Provide outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers
• Develop and maintain effective relationships through effective and timely communication
• Take initiative and action to respond, resolve, and follow up regarding customer service issues in a timely manner

Required Qualifications

• CMS-approved state and/or national certification, OR high school diploma or G.E.D. (must meet certification requirements within the required state or CMS timeline)
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training as required
• Successful completion of the FMCNA dialysis training program
• Current CPR certification
• Successful completion of Ishihara's Color Blindness test

Preferred Qualifications

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

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $25 - $31 (based on work location and qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, skills, and competencies)

Additional Information

Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the FMCNA dialysis training program and CPR certification.