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, training, and regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsibilities include the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, assistance with maintaining a safe and clean environment, supporting the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, and actively participating in process improvements to help patients achieve QEP goals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• PATIENT RELATED EDUCATION Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate – Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and disease process/access.
• TREATMENT Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since last treatment. Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law. Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and 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 interventions as prescribed by physician order or directed. Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy. Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment—document. Discontinue dialysis treatment per established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, recording 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 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. Document all information related to patient treatment, including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes. Report any significant information or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor. Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report any change or unusual findings. Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document response. Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, provide appropriate intervention, and report findings. Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens. Ensure all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant. Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage. Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision.
• STAFF RELATED Assist in training of applicable direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.
• EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION 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 according to facility policy. Conduct all tasks necessary for dialysis preparation, including pretreatment machine alarm testing (PHT). Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).
• RECORD KEEPING Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely. Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented; correct any omitted entries. Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart. Print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens according to laboratory destination. Collect, label, and store lab samples per laboratory specifications. Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
• INFECTION CONTROL 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 control education for patients and families under direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.
• TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT Follow all newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care. Reinforce all education and care‑related matters for new patients as allowed by state law. Liaise with appropriate FKC staff to provide the best patient experience, ensuring all disciplines are scheduled according to plan. Assist in ensuring patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits, and how home dialysis can work for them. Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit. Assist in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis set‑up. Assist with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice. Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are required to take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment; failure does not preclude employment. The role involves desk and computer work, interaction with patients and staff, travel between facilities, and exposure to infectious materials. It requires frequent, prolonged standing, bending, and the ability to push or pull equipment up to 15 pounds, lift solutions up to 30–40 pounds, and use a two‑person assist program for heavier items.

EDUCATION AND LICENSES High School diploma or G.E.D. required. Meet CMS‑approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required timeline. All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required. Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred. Continuous employment depends on successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification.