Dialysis Patient Care Technician (PCT)

About the Job:

A Dialysis Patient Care Technician (PCT) plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of life-saving dialysis treatment to patients with kidney failure. Working under the supervision of a licensed nurse, the PCT is responsible for preparing and operating dialysis machines, monitoring patients during treatment, and ensuring the safe and sanitary maintenance of the clinical environment. In addition to technical responsibilities, PCTs provide direct patient care, assist with vital signs and vascular access, and contribute to patient education and comfort. They also support clinical staff by participating in training, quality improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Compassionate and detail-oriented, dialysis PCTs are essential members of the healthcare team dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

Purpose and Scope

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team, providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. Ensures compliance with policies, procedures, training, and regulations. Responsible for hemodialysis machine setup and operation, maintaining a clean and safe environment, supporting the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), and participating in process improvements to achieve QEP goals.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Patient-Related

Education:

• Assist in educating patients on adequacy measures (OLC, AMP, UKM) and disease/access processes.

Treatment:

• Welcome patients and assess well-being.

• Evaluate and cannulate vascular access; administer heparin.

• Record vital signs and weight pre- and post-treatment.

• Initiate and discontinue dialysis per prescription.

• Monitor treatment, respond to problems, and document interventions.

• Calculate machine settings and ensure alarms are enabled.

• Maintain accurate treatment records and report significant changes to RN or supervisor.

• Observe safety protocols and perform necessary interventions.

• Obtain lab samples and ensure proper processing.

• Monitor patients performing self-care; provide assistance as needed.

Staff-Related

• Participate in clinical staff recruitment and training.

• Serve as preceptor and evaluate PCT competency.

• Support delivery of care per clinical manuals and training standards.

• Educate on ESRD regulations and Continuous Quality Improvement.

• Support organizational development of staff.

Education/Communication

• Partner with RN/IDT to educate staff on water system and environmental safety.

• Promote strong communication between staff and leadership.

• Participate in or design educational programs for PCTs.

• Collaborate on training schedules and implementation.

• Incorporate policies, ethics, and quality practices into training.

Maintenance/Technical

• Maintain cleanliness and environmental integrity.

• Disinfect equipment and conduct machine alarm testing.

• Prepare for dialysis treatments and initiate SDS.

Record Keeping

• Document CQI participation and clinical data.

• Review and complete treatment records.

• Prepare charts and lab requisitions.

• Collect, label, and store lab samples.

• Coordinate lab specimen pickup.

Infection Control

• Support infection control audits and practices.

• Educate and reinforce staff and patient compliance.

• Participate in infection control education and responses to surveys.

Transitional Care Unit (TCU)

• Support new patients during the first four weeks.

• Reinforce education and care coordination.

• Demonstrate home dialysis options.

• Set up machines and assist with treatment.

• Help transition patients to preferred modality.

• Manage TCU inventory.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.

• Must take the Ishihara Color Blindness test (accommodations possible).

• Requires standing, bending, lifting up to 40 lbs, and patient handling.

• Travel may be required; exposure to healthcare facility conditions and infectious materials.

Education and Licensure

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's preferred.

• Valid national or state PCT certification per CMS guidelines.

• Must complete preceptor training and attend assigned skill-based training.

Experience and Required Skills

• 5+ years of patient care experience preferred.

• Continued employment requires dialysis program completion and CPR certification.

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace.
EOE, disability/veterans