Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care; Elk River (MN); On-site; USD 22,041 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Fresenius Medical Care in Minnesota is seeking a dialysis support technician to assist in setting up and operating hemodialysis machines under RN supervision. You will help ensure a safe, clean environment and participate in CQI and infection control activities.

No prior dialysis experience is required; on-the-job training is provided. The role includes patient education on adequacy measures, monitoring during treatment, and documenting treatment data.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CMS/state certification requirements.
• Previous patient care experience preferred; on-the-job dialysis training provided.
• CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setup and operation of hemodialysis machines; monitor patient condition and treatment.
• Educate patients on adequacy measures and treatment processes.
• Document treatment data and report significant findings to RN or supervisor.
• Maintain infection control practices and a clean, safe environment.

Skills

Patient care

CPR certification

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

CMS/state certification

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, training, and regulations set forth by the corporation, 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 Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and participates in process improvement activities that help achieve the organization’s Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Related

• Education: Assist other health care members in providing patient-specific 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 their 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; perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment; initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (QB and QD); evaluate intradialytic problems and provide interventions as prescribed; monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy; obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion and perform functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment; document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate the patient prior to termination of venous access (standing and sitting blood pressure); obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings; evaluate the patient prior to discharge; perform and document 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 safety alarms are enabled (including NVL 160); record accurate information on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification; document patient treatment information including completion of the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes; report significant information or changes in patient condition to the RN or supervisor; observe patient and conduct machine safety checks and report changes to the RN or supervisor; intervene for unusual patient status and document response.
• Vascular access management: Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, monitor arterial and venous pressures, provide necessary interventions, and report any unusual findings; obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection; clean blood spills per facility policy; organize and utilize supplies efficiently to prevent wastage; monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.

Staff Related

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

Education/Communication

• Follow organization policies, procedures, and systems included in training; maintain environmental integrity and safety; clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments per facility policy; conduct pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing including Pressure Holding (PHT); initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

Record Keeping

• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities; enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely; review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and complete omitted entries as needed; prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for chart placement; prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens; collect, label, prepare, and store lab samples according to 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 of patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.

TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT

• Follow all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care; reinforce education and care matters related to new patients as allowed by state law; liaise with appropriate staff to ensure coordinated patient experience; assist in explaining home dialysis options and assist with understanding or choosing treatment modality; set and perform treatments on machines in the transitional care unit; assist with coordinating the transition to the patient’s chosen modality; assist with supply ordering and inventory for the Transitional Care Unit (TCU).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Describe the physical demands and work environment typical to this job; reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities to perform essential functions; color vision testing may be required as a condition of employment, with reasonable accommodations considered if needed; day-to-day work includes desk and computer work, interaction with patients and staff, and travel between facilities; travel to meetings may be required; the work environment is a health care facility with controlled temperature and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious materials may occur; direct patient care tasks may involve heavy lifting, standing for prolonged periods, bending, and occasional pushing/pulling of equipment, with the possibility of assistance or equipment aids for heavier items.

EDUCATION AND LICENSES

• High school diploma or GED required; must meet CMS/state certification requirements within the state or CMS timeline; applicable state licensure, education, and training as required; demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• Previous patient care experience in a hospital or related facility preferred; continued employment is contingent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and CPR certification.

The rate of pay for this position will depend on the successful candidate’s work location and qualifications, including education, experience, skills, and competencies. Hourly Rate: $16 - $25

Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Central Minnesota clinic address: 17315 Zane St. NW, Elk River, MN 55330
• Clinic hours: MWF 3:15am-6:30pm; TTh/S may be required during training; possible future TTS; clinic is closed on Sunday.
• No previous dialysis experience needed; on-the-job training is provided.