Patient Care Technician - PCT - CCHT Float

Fresenius Medical Care; Union (NJ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in dialysis care seeks a Dialysis Patient Care Technician to join its team in Union, NJ. The role involves providing critical care to dialysis patients, monitoring their treatment and health, and participating in patient education and infection control guidelines. Candidates should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with required dialysis and CPR certifications. This position offers competitive pay, no Sunday shifts, and a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive pay

No Sundays, every other Saturday off

Tuition reimbursement

PCT to RN education program

Qualifications

• Experience in patient care, preferably in a hospital setting.
• Completion of dialysis training and maintain required certifications.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and provide comprehensive patient education.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe and effective dialysis therapy under nurse supervision.
• Monitor and record patient vital signs and treatment responses.
• Assist with training direct care staff and follow infection control practices.

Skills

Patient care

Infection control

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

CMS-approved certification

Dialysis training

CPR 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. Assists in maintaining 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 to help patients achieve the organization’s Quality Enhancement Goals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Related

Education:

• Assist healthcare team members in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures, including Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and disease process/access.

Treatment:

• Welcome assigned patients, inquire about their wellbeing since last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by law.
• Obtain 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 interventions as prescribed or directed.
• Monitor patients' responses to therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all functions necessary for treatment discontinuation and document accordingly.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment following established procedures, evaluate patient before venous access removal, and record blood pressure readings.
• Obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
• Record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Calculate and input dialysis machine programming parameters such as Ultrafiltration (UF) goal, treatment time, and UF modeling as prescribed.
• Ensure safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160.
• Accurately document treatment data, including Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes.
• Report significant patient condition changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Conduct machine safety checks and report any issues.
• Intervene and document responses to unusual patient status.
• Monitor vascular access during treatment and report any abnormalities.
• Collect and prepare laboratory specimens as prescribed.
• Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant.
• Organize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Supervise patients performing self-care under RN supervision.

Staff Related

• Assist in training direct care staff under nurse supervision.

Education/Communication:

• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and ethical practices.
• Maintain a safe, clean environment.
• Disinfect equipment and surroundings between treatments.
• Prepare for dialysis treatments, including alarm testing and system initiation.

RECORD KEEPING:

• Participate in CQI activities and document accordingly.
• Enter treatment data accurately and timely into designated systems.
• Review and complete treatment documentation and paperwork.
• Prepare admission charts and lab requisitions, and handle lab specimens properly.

INFECTION CONTROL:

• Assist with infection control audits and support adherence to practices.
• Participate in infection control education for patients and families.

TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT:

• Follow new patients through their first 4 weeks of dialysis, providing education and coordination.
• Assist with patient understanding of home dialysis options and supply management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Perform duties involving lifting, standing, bending, and equipment handling, with accommodations available as needed.
• Work environment includes exposure to infectious materials, moderate noise, and typical healthcare setting conditions.

EDUCATION AND LICENSES:

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must meet CMS-approved certification requirements within designated timelines.
• Maintain appropriate state licensure, education, and training.
• Demonstrate commitment to organizational values and customer service.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Previous patient care experience preferred, especially in hospital or related settings.
• Successful completion of dialysis training and CPR certification required.
• Recent dialysis technician experience or CCHT certification required.

*Recent dialysis technician experience, or CCHT required for this role
*Competitive pay
*No Sundays, every other Saturday off
*Tuition reimbursement
*PCT to RN education program