Dialysis Acute Inpatient Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Job Description: Dialysis Acute Inpatient Patient Care Technician (PCT)

The Dialysis Acute Inpatient Patient Care Technician (PCT) plays a vital role in delivering life-sustaining dialysis treatment to hospitalized patients with acute or chronic kidney conditions. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the PCT ensures safe and effective dialysis care by preparing and operating dialysis equipment, monitoring patients during treatment, recording vital signs, and responding to any clinical changes. In the acute inpatient setting, the PCT must adapt to fast-paced, dynamic environments, often treating patients with complex medical conditions across various hospital units. Strong clinical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team are essential to supporting positive patient outcomes in this critical care role.

Purpose and Scope

Functions as part of the hemodialysis healthcare team to provide safe and effective dialysis therapy for assigned patients. This role is performed in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, and training, and in compliance with federal, state, and corporate regulations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides patient care under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (FMCNA RN) or within a treatment room immediately adjacent to an RN. Reports and documents new or unusual incidents, information, complaints, or issues to the RN.

• Maintains a safe and clean working environment and supports FMCNA's Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAI) activities, and patient satisfaction initiatives.

• Assists in meeting Total Area Productivity (TAP) goals.

• Upon demonstrating documented competency, sets up and primes equipment for renal replacement therapies as directed (hemodialysis, CRRT, and peritoneal dialysis).

• Welcomes patients, inquires about their well-being since their last session, and reports concerns to the RN.

• Evaluates vascular access for patency and reports unusual findings.

• Obtains and documents pre- and post-treatment vital signs and weight.

• Performs vascular access cannulation and communicates any challenges or unusual findings.

• Calculates and enters dialysis machine settings per prescription (e.g., UF goal, treatment time, sodium and UF modeling).

• Ensures all required safety alarms are enabled, including narrow venous limits.

• Records treatment parameters and vital signs accurately on the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet.

• Initiates dialysis treatment per physician orders, including setting appropriate flow rates.

• Collects and labels lab specimens in accordance with facility protocols.

• Assesses and manages intradialytic problems, reporting changes in patient condition to the RN.

• Monitors the patient's response to therapy, reporting concerns and documenting all interventions.

• Discontinues treatment, obtains post-treatment vital signs, and assesses the patient prior to discharge.

• Ensures hemostasis, applies dressings, and reports any unusual findings to the RN.

• Performs and documents pre- and post-dialysis evaluations and patient status as required.

• Completes other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regular duties involve interaction with patients, staff, and physicians, often at multiple locations.

• Work may involve exposure to infectious diseases or materials.

• Requires frequent standing, bending, lifting, and movement of patients and equipment.

• Must be able to lift equipment or supplies up to 30 lbs and assist in moving items up to 200 lbs with support.

• Extended periods of standing and bending are common.

• Travel between assigned facilities and for meetings may be required.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience and Required Skills

• 1-2 years of related experience preferred.

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) certification required.

• Strong communication, clinical, and technical skills essential for quality patient care.

FMCNA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - disability/veterans.