Patient Care Technician - PCT

Job Title

Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective home dialysis therapy and training for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse under organization policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Assists in the setup of home dialysis equipment and the maintenance of a safe and clean working environment within the home therapy program. Supports the organization's commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the organization's Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

All duties and responsibilities of the PCT I HT are to be performed under the direct supervision of the Home Therapies registered nurse (HT RN), in compliance with and as permissible per state laws, regulations, and policies.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Not Home Assist) :

• Reinforces home hemodialysis (HHD) and / or peritoneal dialysis (PD) training as permitted by law.
• Identifies and welcomes patients, obtains vital signs, weights, and gathers information needed to complete the Clinic Visit Intake form.
• Builds and maintains strong communication and collaboration processes and rapport with patients, care partners, the HT RN, direct and non-direct patient care staff, providers, and other team members.
• Obtains treatment records from patients and / or systems, reviews for completion, and reports missing or abnormal data to the HT RN.
• Assists with electronic home treatment / medication / oral nutritional supplement reconciliation and reports missing data / orders to the HT RN.
• May assist HT RNs with home visits.
• Provides home support as applicable and permissible.
• Prepares supplies for the collection of prescribed laboratory testing and prepares specimens for shipping.
• Assists with the tracking and shipping of transplant-related laboratory specimens and reinforces transplant education.
• Completes opening / closing daily chores and documents as appropriate.
• Disinfects dialysis machines, chairs, tables, and other equipment in between patient visits, and routinely.
• Prepares the exam / training room for home dialysis training, treatment, or other visits.
• Stocks exam, training, treatment, and storage rooms with supplies.
• Develops or follows a process for the management of supplies to maximize use and minimize waste.
• Schedules patient appointments and contacts patients / caregivers regarding dates, times, and reminders.
• Supports patient registration and use of connected health.
• Assists patients and care partners with supplies / inventory ordering and management.
• Maintains logs and tracking.
• May order and track clinic / office supplies, as directed.
• Participates in medical records, infection control, and other audit processes as directed.
• Actively collaborates with others during staff huddles or meetings.
• Helps collect required documentation for patient admission, prepares and maintains the electronic and / or hard-copy patient chart, as directed.
• Performs other clerical duties, as assigned (answering phones, faxing, email, provider office contact, etc.).

Home Hemodialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis

Physical Demands and Working Conditions :

The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases / materials. The position provides direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and / or coworkers may assist. This position requires frequent, prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to push and / or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. The employee may be required to lift and lower solutions frequently of up to 30 lbs., and on an occasional lift basis up to 40 lbs., as high as 5 feet. There is a two-person assist program and "material assist" devices for heavier items.

Education and Licenses :

Experience and Required Skills :

EO / AA Employer : Minorities / Females / Veterans / Disability / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.