Patient Care Technician - PCT

Patient Care Technician - PCT at Fresenius Medical Care

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 in compliance with state and federal regulations. Responsible for the setup and operation of hemodialysis machines and for maintaining a safe, clean working environment. Supports the organization s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including those related to patient satisfaction and process improvement.

Patient Related

• Assist other health care members in providing patient-specific education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate (Online Clearance Monitoring, Adequacy Monitoring Program, Urea Kinetic Modeling, and 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 pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight; perform vascular access evaluation pre-treatment.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders (QB, QD).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide interventions as prescribed by physician orders or as directed.
• Monitor patient response to dialysis therapy and document appropriately.
• Record pre- and post-dialysis evaluations, weight, and vital signs with initial identification; discontinue dialysis treatment according to procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access.
• Obtain hemostasis, apply dressings, and evaluate patient prior to discharge.
• Ensure accurate documentation on Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and progress notes; report significant changes to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Conduct machine safety checks and respond to alarms; document any unusual findings.
• Monitor arterial and venous pressures, document intervention as needed, and report findings to the nurse or supervisor.
• Obtain prescribed laboratory specimens and prepare them for collection; ensure proper handling and labeling.
• Maintain infection control and environmental hygiene, including cleaning dialysis machines, chairs, and surrounding areas between treatments.
• Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self-care under RN supervision.

Staff Related

• Assist in training applicable direct patient care staff under supervision of a nurse.

Education/Communication

• Follow organization policies and procedures and uphold ethical business practices.
• Maintain a safe, clean environment; disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surroundings between treatments.
• Prepare for dialysis treatment, perform pretreatment dialysis machine alarm testing (including Pressure Holding), and initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS).

Record Keeping

• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities and enter all treatment data accurately into the designated clinical application.
• Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and address omitted entries with appropriate staff.
• Prepare initial patient charts for admission and compile necessary paperwork for chart placement; prepare/print lab requisitions and collect, label, and store lab specimens as required.
• Ensure collection of lab specimens by the appropriate lab courier.

Infection Control

• Assist in collecting information for infection control audits and support adherence to infection control practices.
• Follow infection control policies and procedures and educate patients and families as allowed by state law.

Transitional Care Unit (TCU)

• Support newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
• Reinforce education and care related to the new patient and coordinate with appropriate staff to ensure multidisciplinary care.
• Assist with patient understanding of home dialysis options and participate in coordinating transitions to the…