Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis

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 state and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines. Assist in maintaining a safe and clean working environment.

Supports the organization’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program and continuous quality improvement activities, including patient satisfaction initiatives.

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

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their well‑being since last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and weight; evaluate access pre‑treatment.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow and dialysate flow.
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed or directed.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment – document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, including blood pressure.
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs; identify patient.
• Calculate and enter individual dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration goal, treatment time, and modeling as prescribed.
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits, 160.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet; identify patient.
• Document all information related to patient treatment including completion of treatment sheet and progress notes.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks per facility policy; report any changes or unusual findings.
• Document and report any intervention for unusual patient status and patient response.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment; provide intervention as needed; report and document unusual findings.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Clean all blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant per facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent waste.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision.

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

• Follow all organization business policies, procedures, and systems incorporated into training, including compliance with 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.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate; perform all required pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding.
• Initiate Solution Delivery System.

• Complete and document ongoing participation in continuous quality improvement activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and promptly.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness; ensure nursing signatures are documented and correct omissions.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork.
• Prepar…