Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresenius Medical Care in Lake Charles seeks a dialysis care professional to join the patient-focused team. You will support safe dialysis delivery, monitor patient condition, and participate in education and QA activities under nurse supervision.

The role involves setup and operation of hemodialysis equipment, maintaining a clean environment, and contributing to CQI initiatives to improve patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Assist other health care members in providing patient specific education regarding dialysis adequacy measures and related programs.
• Ability to evaluate vascular access patency and assist in cannulation, with heparin administration as delegated.
• Monitor patient response to dialysis and document vital signs and treatment details.

Responsibilities

• Welcome patients and check on their wellbeing after the last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access patency and perform cannulation; administer heparin as delegated.
• Record pre- and post-treatment vital signs, weight, and document vascular access evaluation.
• Initiate dialysis per orders, adjusting QB and QD as prescribed.
• Monitor patient response and intervene as needed during treatment.
• Document discontinuation of treatment and ensure proper venous access status.
• Assess discharge readiness and overall patient condition.

Skills

Patient care

Vascular access evaluation

Vital signs monitoring

Team collaboration

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 CQI 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 where appropriate - Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and regarding disease process/access.

Treatment:

• Welcome assigned patients and inquire as to their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and perform administration of heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre and post treatment vital signs and weight and perform vascular access evaluation pre- treatment
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment - document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access - standing & sitting blood pressure
• Obtain Hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record Pre and