Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care North America; Brooklyn Park (MN); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare company is seeking a Patient Care Technician for its Transitional Care Unit. This role involves supporting patients as they begin their dialysis journey, ensuring they receive the necessary training and care. Responsibilities include patient interaction, equipment management, and documentation. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and prior patient care experience, with a commitment to quality and safety in patient care.

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Preferred prior patient care experience.
• Successful completion of dialysis training and CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide training for home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
• Establish communication and rapport with patients.
• Assist with electronic documentation and patient appointments.

Skills

Patient Care

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Job description

Patient Care Technician For Transitional Care Unit

The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) helps ease patients into dialysis. The first weeks of dialysis involve significant adjustment and an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality. As a TCU Patient Care Technician (PCT), you will provide patients with a solid foundation to start their dialysis journey. The TCU PCT coordinates patient care and education to help them feel better and make informed decisions about their treatment options, including in-center or at-home dialysis.

Purpose and Scope:

Functions as part of the dialysis healthcare team to provide safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training under the supervision of a licensed nurse, in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and regulations set by federal, state, and organizational standards. Supports the setup and maintenance of home dialysis equipment and promotes a safe, clean environment within the home therapy program. Participates actively in quality improvement initiatives and patient satisfaction efforts aligned with the organization's Quality Enhancement Program (QEP).

All duties are performed under the supervision of the Home Therapies RN, in compliance with applicable laws and policies.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (excluding Home Assist tasks):

1. Reinforce training for home hemodialysis (HHD) and/or peritoneal dialysis (PD).
2. Identify and welcome patients, obtain vital signs, weights, and information for clinic intake forms.
3. Establish strong communication and rapport with patients, care partners, team members, and providers.
4. Review treatment records for completeness and report any missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
5. Assist with electronic documentation of home treatments, medications, and nutritional supplements, reporting discrepancies to the HT RN.
6. Support home visits by HT RNs as needed.
7. Provide home support within scope and permissible guidelines.
8. Prepare supplies for laboratory testing and handle specimen shipping.
9. Assist with transplant-related specimen tracking and education.
10. Complete daily opening/closing chores and documentation.
11. Disinfect equipment between patient visits and routinely.
12. Prepare treatment and training rooms, stock supplies, and manage inventory efficiently.
13. Schedule patient appointments and communicate reminders.
14. Support patient registration and connected health tools.
15. Assist with supply management and maintain logs.
16. Participate in audits and documentation processes.
17. Collaborate with team members during meetings and huddles.
18. Assist with patient admission documentation and record maintenance.
19. Perform clerical duties as assigned.

Home Hemodialysis (HHD):

1. Reinforce HHD training.
2. Set up, troubleshoot, and disinfect HHD machines.
3. Prepare dialysate and monitor access before, during, and after treatment.
4. Document patient status and machine data, report abnormalities, and ensure safety protocols.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD):

1. Reinforce PD training.
2. Troubleshoot PD cycler and connectivity issues.
3. Perform phlebotomy and prepare PD solutions.
4. Assist with exit site care and equipment tracking.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work involves desk work, patient interaction, and travel between facilities and community locations.
• Requires heavy lifting, prolonged standing, bending, and occasional pushing/pulling of equipment up to 40 lbs.
• May be exposed to infectious materials and contagious diseases.

Education and Licenses:

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS-approved certification and licensure requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to organizational values and customer service.

Experience and Skills:

• Preferred prior patient care experience.
• Successful completion of dialysis training and CPR certification required for continued employment.

The hourly rate ranges from $15.00 to $25.00, with benefits including health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and parental leave. The position is committed to diversity and a drug-free workplace.