Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care; Lansdale (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in dialysis care is seeking dedicated professionals to join their healthcare team in providing effective dialysis therapy. The role includes patient care, machine setup, monitoring during treatments, and supporting quality enhancement programs. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and relevant certifications, demonstrating a commitment to patient care.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or G.E.D and relevant certifications.
• Experience in patient care and successful completion of dialysis training is preferred.
• CPR certification is mandatory for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate hemodialysis machines.
• Monitor patients' responses to dialysis therapy.
• Assist in training direct patient care staff on appropriate programs.

Skills

Patient Care

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

CMS-approved state and/or national 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, 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’s 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’s Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Related

Education:

• Assist other healthcare 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 about their wellbeing since their last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or as 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 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 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 appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160.
• Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
• Accurately document all information related to patient treatment including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report significant information and/or changes in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy. Report any change or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and document patients' responses to interventions.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures; provide appropriate intervention as needed, document, and report unusual findings.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and utilize supplies and equipment 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 all organization policies, procedures, and systems incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practices.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics - ensure all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding areas between treatments according to facility policy.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate, including all pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing such as Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.

RECORD KEEPING:

• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities and document accordingly.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure signatures are documented, and correct any omitted entries.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement.
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens and ensure proper collection and storage.

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 for patients and families as permitted by law.

TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT:

• Follow all newly admitted patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis, coordinating transitional care.
• Reinforce education and care related to new patients.
• Liaise with staff to ensure optimal patient experience, including scheduling and education about home dialysis options.
• Set and perform treatments on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
• Assist in patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of peritoneal dialysis setup.
• Coordinate transition to patient’s modality choice.
• Assist with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Describe the physical demands and work environment, including lifting, standing, exposure to infectious materials, and travel requirements.

EDUCATION AND LICENSES:

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS-approved state and/or national certification requirements.
• All relevant licenses, education, and training required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization values and customer service.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

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

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.