Patient Care Technician - PCT

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, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, support the organization commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participate in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the organization Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

• Patient
  
  Education:
  • Assist other health care members in providing patient specific education regarding adequacy measures (OLC, AMP, UKM) and disease processes.
• Treatment:
  • Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing.
  • Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin.
  • Obtain pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and weight, and evaluate access pre‑treatment.
  • Initiate dialysis treatment including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
  • Evaluate and intervene for intradialytic problems as prescribed.
  • Monitor patient response to therapy.
  • Document and discontinue dialysis according to procedures.
  • Apply hemostasis and appropriate dressings.
  • Perform pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, vital signs.
  • Calculate and enter individual patient machine programming (UF goal, treatment time, UF modeling).
  • Ensure safety alarms are enabled.
  • Record vital signs and treatment parameters on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
  • Report significant changes to registered nurse or supervisor.
  • Conduct machine safety checks; report findings.
  • Prepare and document interventions for unusual patient status.
  • Obtain laboratory tests and prepare specimens.
  • Clean blood spills immediately per facility policy.
  • Organize supplies and equipment to prevent waste.
  • Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision.
• Staff Related:
  • Assist in training direct patient care staff.
• Education/Communication:
  • Follow organization policies and compliance with ethical business practices.
  • Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics.
  • Clean and disinfect dialysis machine, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments.
  • Prepare for dialysis treatment and document pretreatment machine alarm testing.
  • Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
• Record Keeping:
  • Complete and document ongoing participation in CQI activities.
  • Enter all treatment data accurately and timely.
  • Review treatment sheets for completeness and nursing signatures.
  • Prepare initial patient chart for admission.
  • Print lab requisitions and prepare specimens per lab destination.
  • Ensure proper lab specimen collection and courier usage.
• Infection Control:
  • Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
  • Support staff adherence to infection control practices.
  • Follow infection control policies and procedures.
  • Participate in infection control education of patients and families.
• Transitional Care Unit:
  • Follow newly admitted patients through first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
  • Reinforce education and care related matters.
  • Liaise with FKC staff for patient schedule.
  • Assist in patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits.
  • Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
  • Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options.
  • Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
  • Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.
• Physical Demands and
  
  Working Conditions:
  • Describe essential physical demands (standing, bending, lifting up to 40 lbs, traveling). Reasonable accommodations may be made.
  • Requirement for Ishihara Color Blindness test as condition of employment.

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS approved state and/or national certification requirements within required timeline.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training required.

• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of organization dialysis training program and CPR certification required.

EOE, disability/veterans.