Patient Care Technician- PCT

Patient Care Technician – Training Provided

Shift Information: Evening shift not established yet. Will support launch of third shift, two 12‑hour shifts (9:30 AM–10:00 PM) and two 8‑hour shifts (either 1:30 PM–10:00 PM or 9:30 AM–6:00 PM). Training period: 12 weeks on day shift, start times as early as 4:30–5:00 AM.

Purpose and Scope: Functions as part of dialysis health care team under direct supervision of licensed nurse; responsible for setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, maintenance of safe environment, and participation in quality improvement activities.

Patient Related

• Assist healthcare team in providing patient education on adequacy measures such as OLC, AMP, UKM, and disease process/access.
• Welcome assigned patients and assess wellbeing since last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated.
• Obtain pre and post‑treatment vital signs, weight, and perform vascular access evaluation.
• Initiate dialysis treatment per prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide interventions per physician orders or directed by RN.
• Monitor patient responses and record vital signs and treatment parameters onto Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Discontinue dialysis per procedures, assess patient prior to terminating venous access, obtain hemostasis and dressings.
• Evaluate patient prior to discharge and record pre/post‑dialysis evaluations and vital signs.
• Calculate and set dialysis machine parameters for UF goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
• Ensure safety alarms enabled (e.g., NVL 160) and perform pretreatment alarm testing (PHT).
• Report significant changes in patient condition to RN or supervisor.
• Document interventions and responses to unusual patient status.
• Obtain and prepare laboratory tests; manage spills per infection control.
• Organize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage; monitor patient self‑care under RN.

Staff Related

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

Education & Communication

• Follow organization policies, procedures, and ethical business practices.
• Maintain environmental integrity and cleanliness.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and work area between treatments.
• Perform machine safety checks and exhibit preventive infection control.
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).

Record Keeping

• Document ongoing participation in CQI activities and enter treatment data accurately.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures, and correct omissions.
• Prepare initial patient chart and lab requisitions; store samples per lab specs.

Infection Control

• Assist in collecting infection control audit information.
• Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
• Participate in infection control education of patients and families.

Transitional Care Unit

• Follow newly admitted patients through first 4 weeks of dialysis; coordinate transitional care.
• Reinforce education and care matters appropriate to patient and state law.
• Coordinate scheduling with FKC staff for multidisciplinary care.
• Assist patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits.
• Perform and oversee treatments on transitional care unit machines.
• Demonstrate peritoneal dialysis setup to patients.
• Convey transition to patient’s modality choice; order and track inventory.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Works primarily at desk with computer; interacts with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Requires travel between facilities and regional meetings.
• Heavy lifting and moving patients, up to 30–40 lbs; occasional 15 lbs push/pull; requires standing, bending, ability to lift sling within 5 ft.
• Two‑person assist program and material assist devices provided.

Education and Licenses

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Meet CMS‑approved state and/or national certification requirements within required timeline.
• All required state licensure, education, and training must be obtained.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational culture, values, and customer service standards.

Experience and Required Skills

• Previous patient care experience in hospital or related facility preferred.
• Completion of dialysis training program and CPR certification required for continued employment.

Other Information

Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Fresenius Medical Care is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, national origin, age, disability, military service, or other non‑merit‑based factors.

Note: A color blindness test (Ishihara) may be required condition for employment; accommodations may be made.