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What is a patient care technician (PCT)?

Patient care technicians (PCTs) ensure the comfort and safety of the patients in the dialysis center. They monitor the patients before, during and after dialysis treatment. PCTs are well-trained individuals who are committed to providing quality care for their patients.

What do patient care technicians do?

PCTs work under the supervision of nephrology nurses (nurses who are trained to help people with kidney disease) to provide safe, comfortable and hygienic dialysis treatments for patients. They are often the staff members who have the most “one on one” time with guests at the facility. Many PCTs get to know the patients coming in for treatment on a personal basis and develop a good working relationship with them.

Before a PCT receives a patient into the treatment area, he will make sure the environment is clean and welcoming. The PCT will disinfect the dialysis machine and clear any trash from the area. When the area is ready, the PCT will receive the patient, weigh him and check vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure. This is logged into the patient’s chart. The PCT will also ask questions about the patient’s health and whether or not they experienced any problems after their last dialysis session. This will also be noted in the patient’s file and any concerns will be brought to the attention of a nephrology nurse. The PCT will then program the dialysis machine to the patient’s settings, assess and prepare the vascular access and connect the dialysis tubing to the access. The PCT will also look at the access to make sure it is in good working order.

A dialysis treatment can take several hours. The PCT will monitor the patient and check vital signs every half hour as well as monitor the dialysis machine for the entire treatment time. After the patient is done dialyzing, the PCT will take the patient off the machine and weigh them again. They will also send the patient’s dialyzer to the reuse technicians for cleaning and disinfection, if the patient is on reuse. The PCT will then prepare the area for the next patient.

In addition to working with patients, the PCTs keep careful notes about the patient’s treatment. These records are important for the patient’s health care team to assess how well the treatment is working and whether or not adjustments need to be made. PCTs are also responsible for equipment care. They are trained to clean and disinfect the dialysis machines and equipment and make sure everything is working properly.

What to talk about with your patient care technician

PCTs are there to listen to any concerns you have about your health status and dialysis treatment. They can answer questions and refer you to a nephrology nurse or another member of your health care team for more information.

Many patients ask their PCT about their weight, especially after dialysis. The patient’s target or “dry” weight is listed on his chart, and this number or range is the goal after each treatment. Your PCT can tell you if your treatment is achieving these goals. If you are not, your PCT will alert other members of your health care team. They can decide if changes to your treatment need to be made.

Your PCT can also help monitor your access and answer questions you have about it. If you notice any changes to your access, tell your PCT. The PCT and a nephrology nurse can check it and determine if it is working properly.

Many patients get to know the PCTs at their facility and develop a friendly relationship with them. Your PCTs are there to provide you with valuable information and support. They take great satisfaction in being helpful, and are committed to providing their patients with the best of care.

Are you interested in being a ºìÌÒÊÓƵ¸ßÇåappÏÂÔØ patient care technician?

Qualifications

1. High School Diploma or GED
2.  Current CPR certification

Job Functions

• Patient Care:

1. Receive patient into treatment area. Weigh patient, take temperature and blood pressure pre and post dialysis. Document on all dialysis flow sheets.
2. Perform and record patient observation: vital signs and all other parameters of ESRD patients, obtain blood samples and culture specimens, and prepares for shipment.
3.  Review dialysis orders, notes general physical and mental condition of patient through observations and interview, provide data to determine compliance to dietary or medical regimen. Document observations appropriately.
4.  Provide chronic hemodialysis therapy: recommends a dialysis plan for ultrafiltration to RN, initiate dialysis via approved accesses, observe all safety measures, monitor patient vital signs applicable to critically ill patients, administer fluid therapy or other appropriate treatments as directed, document activity appropriately.
5.  Collect patient data: monitor and document status of vascular accesses, review lab work, patient observations, and seek guidance when levels are out of "normal" range for ESRD patients.
6. Perform the following only under the direction of an RN:
• Instruct patients in the care of fistulas and other open wounds.
• Review physician orders, and reinforce treatment care with patient
7. Administer patient quality in a considerate, respectful manner.

• Equipment Care:
1.  Set up and monitor dialysis machines and systems: Observe dialysis machines and RO water system for correct functioning, respond to visual and audible alarms and makes appropriate adjustments pre, during and after the dialysis treatment.
2.  Ability to dismantle, clean and disinfect dialysis machines and equipment according to ºìÌÒÊÓƵ¸ßÇåappÏÂÔØ procedures.
3.  Understand all duties related to dialyzer reuse: dialyzer cleaning and sterilization and equipment using chemicals, rinses, priming the dialyzers, attachment and installation of all required tubing, positioning of dialyzer, preparation of dialysate delivery system for dialysis, dialyzer connection and all pumps, alarm checks, monitor settings, dialyzer tests.

• Quality Assurance:
1. Complete flow sheets and charge vouchers in order to verify appropriate patient billing.
2.  Report inventories and supply shortage to Facility Administrator.
3.  Compliance with ºìÌÒÊÓƵ¸ßÇåappÏÂÔØ policy and procedure in accordance with state and federal regulations for patient care and services.
4. Compliance with state or federal regulations of the Injury Prevention and Safety Training Program.
5.  Participate in quality assurance and cost containment programs.

• Other duties as assigned:
1.  Perform other duties as assigned.
2. Able to work overtime with little or no choice.
3. Attend in-services, staff meetings and patient care conferences.
4. Ability to lift minimum weight of 35 pounds, and able to perform repetitive standing, sitting, stooping, walking, stretching, reaching, and use full range of body motions.
5. Understand and follow ºìÌÒÊÓƵ¸ßÇåappÏÂÔØ patient and employee policy and procedure.

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