Patient Care Technician - PCT

Fresenius Medical Care; Moses Lake (WA); On-site; USD 35,360 - 49,920; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Fresenius Medical Care in Moses Lake, WA is seeking a patient-focused dialysis technician to assist with setup and operation of hemodialysis equipment. You will monitor patients, record vital signs, and ensure a clean, safe treatment environment under RN supervision.

The role requires completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification, with responsibilities including documentation, equipment checks, and adherence to infection control policies.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• CMS-approved state and/or national certification within required timeframe.
• All state licensure, education, and training as applicable.
• CPR certification required for continued employment.
• Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up and operating hemodialysis machines.
• Monitor patient condition and vital signs during dialysis.
• Record treatment data and document patient progress.
• Ensure safety, sanitation and infection control per policy.
• Educate patients on treatment process and adequacy measures.

Skills

Patient care

CPR certification

Communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CMS-certified state/national certification

Tools

Hemodialysis machines

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 regulatory requirements at the corporation, state, and federal levels. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines and for maintaining a safe, clean working environment. Supports the organization commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, including patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement initiatives that advance quality goals.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Related

• Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures, such as Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and disease process/access.
• 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 per state law.
• Obtain pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and weight, perform vascular access evaluation prior to treatment.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Observe intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or direction.
• Monitor patient responses to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment and document.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, including standing and sitting blood pressure.
• Apply hemostasis and appropriate dressings, and 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 patient dialysis 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 on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.
• Document patient treatment information, including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes if applicable.
• Report significant changes in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks per facility policy, reporting any changes or unusual findings.
• Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status, recording patient response.
• Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment, monitoring arterial and venous pressures, and provide appropriate intervention; report any unusual findings.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Clean all blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant per facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision.

Staff Related

• Assist in training direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.

Education / Communication

• Follow all organization business policies, procedures, and systems, including compliance with ethical business practices.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics; ensure all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments per facility policy.
• Conduct all tasks necessary for dialysis preparation and document where appropriate; perform required pretreatment machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) operations.

Record Keeping

• Complete and document ongoing participation in CQI activities.
• Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application accurately and timely.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensuring nursing signatures are documented and correcting omissions.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate chart placement.
• Prepare/print laboratory requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens per laboratory destination.
• Collect, label, appropriately prepare, and store lab samples according to required specifications.
• Ensure laboratory specimens are collected by the appropriate 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 for 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 four weeks of dialysis and coordinate their transitional dialysis care.
• Reinforce all education and care matters related to the new patient, as permitted by state law.
• Liaise with appropriate FKC staff members to enhance patient experience, ensuring all disciplines are scheduled per plan.
• Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products, benefits, and how home dialysis can work for them.
• Set and perform a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
• Assist in demonstrating peritoneal dialysis set‑up and in ensuring patient understanding of treatment options.
• Coordinate transition to patient’s modality choice and supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Day‑to‑day work includes desk and personal computer work while interacting with patients, facility staff, and physicians.
• The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various community locations, including regional and corporate meetings.
• Work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise; exposure to infectious materials may occur.
• Position requires heavy lifting and patient assistance; frequent prolonged standing, bending, and occasional pushing or pulling of equipment up to 15 pounds; lifting solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally at heights up to five feet.
• A two‑person assist program and material assist devices are available for heavier items.

Education and Licenses

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must meet Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS)-approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required timeframe.
• All appropriate state licensure, education, and training, if applicable, required.
• Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.

Experience and Required Skills

• Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred.
• Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification required for continued employment.

Hourly Rate: $17.00 – $24.00

Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) with company match; paid time off; and parental leave.

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

EOE, disability/veterans