Patient Care Technician Preceptor - PCT - Dialysis

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, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the set‑up and operation of hemodialysis machines, maintenance of a safe and clean working environment, and support of the organization’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and continuous quality improvement activities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Related

• Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific education regarding adequacy measures (OLC, AMP, UKM) and disease process/access.
• Welcome assigned patients and inquire about their wellbeing since the last treatment.
• Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform cannulation, and administer heparin as delegated or allowed by state law.
• Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs, weight, and perform vascular access evaluation before treatment.
• Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders, including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
• Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed.
• Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
• Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment, document results.
• Discontinue dialysis treatment according to procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access, noting standing and sitting blood pressure.
• Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
• Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
• Perform and record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
• Calculate and enter individual patients’ 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 on the hemodialysis treatment sheet with initial identification.
• Document information related to patient treatment, including completion of the hemodialysis treatment sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
• Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy; report any changes or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status; document patient response to intervention.
• Monitor vascular access pressures during treatment, provide appropriate intervention as needed, and report unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
• Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
• Ensure blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectants according to facility policy.
• Prepare, organize, and utilize supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent wastage.
• Monitor patients performing self‑care under RN supervision; assist patients with self‑care as applicable.

Staff Related

• Participate in the recruitment process for new clinical staff.
• Assist with clinical orientation and ongoing training of direct patient care personnel and facility staff.
• Serve as a preceptor for direct patient care training, supporting the delivery of quality patient care per the organization’s training manual and policies.
• Deliver and maintain on‑going competency evaluations/audits to ensure performance of other PCTs.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Manager and Education Coordinator to drive organization quality standards through education on ESRD regulatory and legal requirements.
• Assist in training direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under nurse supervision.
• Provide developmental support to clinical and facility staff.

Education/Communication

• Partner with RN and IDT staff to educate personnel regarding water system integrity and safety, and environmental integrity, including patient and staff safety.
• Ensure strong communication among clinical managers, education coordinators, and support staff regarding training and organizational development programs.
• Participate in designing and implementing educational programs for PCT staff, including team‑based initiatives.
• Collaborate with clinical managers and education coordinators to schedule and implement training programs.
• Monitor patient‑care processes through regular continuous quality improvement activities.
• Ensure all organizational business policies, procedures, and systems are incorporated into training, including compliance with ethical business practices.

MAINTENANCE/TECHNICAL

• Maintain environmental integrity and aesthetics, ensuring all areas are safe and clean.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surfaces, chairs, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments.
• Perform all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment, including pretreatment machine alarm testing (pressure holding).
• Initiate the solution delivery system (SDS).

RECORD KEEPING

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

INFECTION CONTROL

• Assist with facility QAI infection control audits.
• Act as a change agent for infection control practices; monitor staff and patient adherence under the direction of the CM or designee.
• Reinforce new‑hire employee adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
• Support ongoing staff and patient engagement on infection control practices, including participation in patient lobby days.
• Reinforce patient and staff adherence to infection control policies and procedures through visual media such as posters and flyers on a quarterly basis.
• Participate in education responses to internal and external facility surveys under the Education Department.
• Reinforce infection control education of patients and families under the CM or designee, as allowed by state law.

TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT

• Follow newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinate transitional dialysis care.
• Reinforce education and care‑related matters for new patients as allowed by state law.
• Serve as a liaison with appropriate FKC staff members to provide a seamless patient experience.
• Assist patients in understanding home dialysis products and benefits.
• Set and perform treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
• Assist in demonstrating peritoneal dialysis set‑up and treatment options.
• Coordinate transition to patient’s modality choice.
• Assist with supply ordering and inventory for the TCU.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work requires desk and computer work, patient interaction, and travel between facilities.
  Travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
• Work environment is characteristic of a healthcare facility with controlled temperature and moderate noise levels; exposure to infectious materials possible.
• Position requires frequent, prolonged standing; ability to bend, push, pull equipment up to 15 pounds, lift and lower solutions up to 30 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Two‑person assist program and material assistance devices are available for heavier items.

EDUCATION AND LICENSES

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid PCT national certification or state‑specific certification as defined by CMS.
• Commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
• Active participation in preceptor training programs as established by education leadership.
• Attendance of Fresenius‑provided skill‑based training as assigned by the Clinical Manager.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• At least five years of patient care experience in a hospital setting or related facility preferred.
• Continued employment is dependent on successful completion of the organization dialysis training program and CPR certification.

CCHT Certification Required