Patient Care Technician - PCT - Training Provided

Purpose and Scope

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in accordance with organization policies, procedures, training and federal, state and corporate regulations. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, and support of the organization’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities.

Actively participates in process improvement activities to help patients achieve the organization’s quality goals.

• Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures, such as Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and disease process/access.

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or per state law.
• Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs, weight, and perform vascular access evaluation pre‑treatment.
• 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 or directed.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment and document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures, evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, obtain blood pressure (standing & sitting).
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Calculate and enter individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, 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 onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Accurately document patient treatment information, including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks per facility policy; report changes or unusual findings.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and record response.
• Evaluate vascular access during treatment—including arterial and venous monitoring pressures; provide intervention as needed and report findings.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure all blood spills are cleaned immediately with appropriate disinfectant according to policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under the supervision of RN.

• Assist in training of direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.

• Follow all organization business policies, procedures and systems incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practices.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics—ensure areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to policy.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation of dialysis treatment and document where appropriate; perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application…