Patient Care Technician - PCT

CH01 CHE Fresenius Medical Care (Schweiz) AG; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresenius Medical Care (Schweiz) AG is seeking help to provide safe, high‑quality dialysis therapy under RN supervision. You will assist with setup, monitoring, and patient education in a busy clinical setting.

The role emphasizes infection control, recording treatment data, and ensuring safety during hemodialysis sessions across shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Successful completion of dialysis training program and CPR certification.
• Experience in dialysis treatment, patient education, infection control, and record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Assist in patient education on adequacy measures and disease processes.
• Set up and operate dialysis machines; monitor vital signs and response to treatment.
• Perform cannulation and manage intradialytic events per physician orders.
• Maintain infection control practices and safe, clean environment.

Skills

Patient care

Communication skills

CPR certification

Dialysis training

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Dialysis equipment

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 training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines. Assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the organization Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Patient‑related education: Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures (OLC, AMP, UKM) and disease processes/access.
• Treatment: Welcome assigned patients and inquire about well‑being. Evaluate vascular access, perform cannulation, administer heparin as delegated. Obtain pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and weight. Initiate dialysis treatments according to prescribed orders (QB, QD). Evaluate intradialytic problems; provide intervention per physician order or directives. Monitor patients’ response to dialysis. Document vitals before reinfusion. Discontinue treatment per procedures, evaluating patient prior to termination of venous access. Apply hemostasis and dressings. Evaluate patient prior to discharge. Record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluations, weight, and vital signs with identification. Calculate and enter dialysis machine programming (UF goal, treatment time, UF modeling). Ensure safety alarms are enabled (NVL 160). Record vital signs and treatment parameters on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet. Report significant changes in patient condition to RN or supervisor. Observe patients, conduct machine safety checks, and report unusual findings. Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status.
• Observation and Monitoring: Evaluate vascular access during treatment (arterial and venous pressures), provide appropriate intervention, and report unusual findings. Obtain prescribed laboratory testing, prepare specimens. Clean all blood spills immediately. Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment. Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision.
• Staff Training: Assist in training of direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under RN supervision.
• Education/Communication: Follow all organization policies and systems, maintain ethical business practices. Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics. Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments. Perform pretreatment dialysis 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, ensure nursing signatures documented, correct omitted entries. Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork. Prepare and print lab requisitions. Collect, label, and store lab samples to required specifications. Ensure collection 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.
• Transitional Care Unit: Follow newly admitted patients through the first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care. Reinforce all education and care related matters. Liaison with appropriate FKC staff members. Assist in patient understanding of home dialysis products and benefits. Set and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit. Assist in coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice. Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Day‑to‑day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and other locations within the community. Travel to regional, business unit and corporate meetings may be required. The work environment is characteristic of a health‑care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials. The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and lower solutions on a frequent basis of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two‑person assist program and material assist devices for heavier items.

Education and Licensure

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS‑approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required state or CMS 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.
• Successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and CPR certification required.
• Experience in dialysis treatment, patient education, infection control, and record keeping.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Fresenius Medical Care is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, national origin, age, disability, military service, or other non‑merit‑based factors.