Patient Care Technician - PCT

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 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 and for maintaining a safe, clean environment.

Supports the organization’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement activities, including patient satisfaction and process improvement efforts.

Golden Valley clinic: MWF 5:30 am–6:30 pm, TThS 5:30 am–4:30 pm, closed Sunday. Rotating days and shifts.

• Assist other health‑care members in providing patient‑specific 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 last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
• Obtain pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and weight; evaluate vascular access prior to treatment.
• Initiate dialysis according to prescribed orders (blood flow Qb and dialysate flow Qd).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and intervene as prescribed by physician order or directed.
• Monitor patients’ response to therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform functions necessary for discontinuation of treatment and document.
• Discontinue dialysis according to procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access; record standing and sitting blood pressure.
• Apply hemostasis and appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate patient prior to discharge.
• Record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Calculate and enter individual patient 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.
• Document patient treatment information, including completion of Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes.
• Report significant information or changes in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patient and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report changes or unusual findings.
• Perform and document interventions for unusual patient status and document response.
• Evaluate vascular access during treatment, provide intervention, and report unusual findings.
• Obtain prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens.
• Clean blood spills immediately with appropriate disinfectant per facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision.

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

• Follow all organization business policies, procedures, and systems.
• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments.
• Perform tasks necessary for dialysis preparation and document where appropriate; perform pretreatment alarm testing.
• Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) protocol.

• Complete and document continuous quality improvement activities.
• Enter all treatment data accurately and timely into the designated clinical application.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness and ensure nursing signatures are documented.
• Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork in chart.
• Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat specimens.
• Collect, label, and store lab samples per laboratory specifications.
• Ensure collection of lab…