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 setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, and supporting the organization commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

• Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific education regarding adequacy measures (OLC, AMP, UKM) and disease process/access.
• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or per state law.
• Obtain pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs, weight, and vascular access evaluation.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and intervene as prescribed by physician order.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy and record vital signs before reinfusion.
• Discontinue dialysis per procedures, evaluate patient before termination of venous access, and record blood pressure.
• Achieve hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• E​valuate the patient prior to discharge and record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Calculate and enter individual patient dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling.
• Ensure safety alarms are enabled (e.g., Narrow Venous Limits 160).
• Document accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and 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 any unusual findings.
• Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and responses.
• Monitor vascular access during treatment, provide interventions, and report findings.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens.
• Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant per policy.
• Organize and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision.

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

• Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and systems incorporated into training, including ethical business practices.
• 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 per facility policy.
• Prepare for dialysis treatment; document required pretreatment machine alarm testing (e.g., Pressure Holding).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

• Complete and document ongoing participation in CQI activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and promptly.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented; corrected by appropriate staff.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for placement in chart.
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens per laboratory destination.
• Collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples per required laboratory specifications.
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by the appropriate lab courier.

• Assist in collecting information for infection control audits.
• Support staff and patient adherence to infection control practices.
• Follow infection control policies and procedures.
• Participate in and reinforce infection…