Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care; Big Lake (MN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in healthcare seeks dedicated staff to join their dialysis team. Responsibilities include assisting in patient treatments, ensuring safety during procedures, and maintaining detailed records. With comprehensive on-the-job training provided, this entry-level position offers a chance to make a significant impact on patient care.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Qualifications

• High School diploma required.
• Certification in dialysis and CPR required.
• Experience in healthcare preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in dialysis treatment setup and operation.
• Monitor patient health during dialysis.
• Document treatment data accurately.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Job description

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 regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines. Assists in maintaining a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement activities to help achieve the organization’s Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Related

Education:

• Assist other healthcare members in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures such as 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 their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or permitted by law.
• Obtain pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; evaluate vascular access 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 or directed.
• Monitor patient responses to therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all functions necessary for treatment discontinuation; document accordingly.
• Discontinue dialysis as per procedures; evaluate patient before venous access removal, including blood pressure measurements.
• Obtain hemostasis and apply dressings.
• Evaluate patient prior to discharge.
• Record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weight, and vital signs with initial patient identification.
• Calculate and program dialysis machines for Ultrafiltration (UF) goals, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Ensure safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160.
• Accurately document treatment data, including Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes if applicable.
• Report significant changes in patient condition to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Conduct safety checks on machines; report any anomalies.
• Intervene and document responses to unusual patient statuses.
• Monitor vascular access pressures; intervene as needed; report findings.
• Collect and prepare laboratory specimens as prescribed.
• Clean blood spills immediately with disinfectant per policy.
• Organize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Supervise patients performing self-care under RN supervision.

Staff Related

• Assist in training direct care staff under RN supervision.

Education/Communication

• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and ethical practices.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Disinfect equipment and treatment areas between patients.
• Prepare for dialysis treatments and perform alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

Record Keeping

• Participate in CQI activities and document accordingly.
• Enter treatment data accurately and timely.
• Review and complete treatment sheets and paperwork, ensuring signatures and entries are correct.
• Prepare patient charts and laboratory requisitions; handle lab specimens properly.

Infection Control

• Support infection control audits and practices.
• Follow infection control policies and educate patients and families as permitted by law.

Transitional Care Unit

• Follow newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis, providing education and coordinating care.
• Assist in patient understanding of treatment options, including home dialysis demonstrations.
• Coordinate transition to patient’s chosen modality.
• Help with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Includes lifting, prolonged standing, bending, pushing/pulling equipment, and working in a healthcare environment with potential exposure to infectious materials. Must pass Ishihara Color Blindness test. Travel between facilities and community locations may be required.

Education and Licenses

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS-approved certification requirements within designated timelines.
• State licensure, education, and training as required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational values and customer service.

Experience and Skills

• Previous patient care experience preferred.
• Successful completion of dialysis training and CPR certification required.

The hourly rate is $15.00 - $25.00, depending on location and qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and parental leave.

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable laws.

Clinic hours: Monday-Saturday 4:00am-4:30pm, closed on Sunday. Shifts are 10-12 hours, rotating days. No prior experience needed; on-the-job training provided.