Patient Care Technician - PCT - Dialysis

Fresenius - Jonesboro, GA

Full-time - Entry Level

Jonesboro, GA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) plays a crucial role in the dialysis healthcare team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This position is essential in ensuring that patients receive high-quality care in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and training, while also complying with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. The PCT is responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines, assisting in maintaining a safe and clean working environment, and supporting the organization's commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. This includes actively participating in process improvement activities that enhance patient satisfaction and help achieve the organization's Quality Enhancement Goals. In terms of patient-related duties, the PCT assists healthcare team members in providing detailed education to patients regarding their treatment and disease processes. They are responsible for welcoming patients, evaluating their vascular access, performing cannulation, administering heparin, and monitoring patients' responses to dialysis therapy. The PCT must also document vital signs, treatment parameters, and any significant changes in patient conditions, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping. Additionally, they play a role in infection control by adhering to policies and procedures and participating in infection control education for patients and families. The PCT also has responsibilities related to staff training, ensuring that direct patient care staff are adequately trained under the supervision of a nurse. They must maintain a clean and safe environment, conduct necessary preparations for dialysis treatment, and assist in the transitional care unit by following newly admitted patients through their first weeks of dialysis. This includes coordinating care, reinforcing education, and assisting with supply ordering and inventory management. Overall, the PCT is integral to the delivery of high-quality patient care in a dialysis setting, requiring a commitment to the organization's culture, values, and customer service standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures and disease processes.
• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency and perform vascular access cannulation.
• Administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre and post-treatment vital signs and weight.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders.
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed.
• Monitor patients' response to dialysis therapy and document relevant information.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
• Perform and document pre and post-dialysis evaluations, weight, and vital signs.
• Calculate and enter individual patients' dialysis machine programming for Ultrafiltration (UF) goal and treatment time.
• Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled on dialysis machines.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients' response to intervention.
• Evaluate patients' vascular access during treatment and provide appropriate intervention as needed.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under the supervision of a nurse.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics by ensuring all areas are safe and clean.
• Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
• Collect, label, and appropriately prepare lab samples according to required specifications.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required timeline.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training required.
• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization's dialysis training program and CPR certification is required for continued employment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a healthcare setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of dialysis treatment processes and patient care standards.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Dental insurance coverage.
• Vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Tuition reimbursement for further education.