Davita PCT

bmuller · Apr 12, 2017

I worked at a dialysis clinic for 1.5 years. Yes, training was paid. Training was about a month or so of didactic training M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Then we got floor training for 36 hrs/week for about 3 months...I don't specifically remember the time on the floor.

After I got my RN license, I kept the dialysis job PRN and currently work on a med-surg floor at a hospital full time. I worked one day a month to keep the job at DaVita, but my biggest concern was the gray area between being hired as a tech at Davita and having an active RN license. The BON would have required me to act as an RN in my tech position should any emergent situation have happened. That's why I worked so little and I talked to my charge nurse and FA about that. They were very supportive.

In your case, however, the concern is that DaVita may require you to stay in your PCT position for 6 months before moving to another position, and that may be a huge liability for you for the reason stated above. I'm not really sure how that works, so it's definitely something to be straightforward in the interview and ask about.

The interview process for me was phone, in person with 3 people (FA, clinical coordinator, and dietitian), then shadowing a PCT in the clinic for about 4 hours, then a week later I received an offer. It was a lengthy interview process and took about 2-3 weeks to complete. They also go through HireRight for your background check, who will want to see all your W2s or paystubs for the last 7 (?) years, so start gathering those just in case.

The questions were relatively easy, and are at the discretion of the interviewers.

-Which core value do you feel you exemplify the most and why?

-Why do you want to work for DaVita?

-How do you deal with difficult or upset customers?

-Name your biggest weakness and give an example of how you handled the situation.

Some of the questions I asked in return were:

-What one quality would you say a successful PCT must possess?

-What are some of the struggles new PCTs encountered?

-What is a normal PCT to patient ratio? (1:4, btw, is usually normal)

Best of luck. If you get a position, it is difficult and challenging at first, and it took me about a year to really feel comfortable in the position. I've seen many new nurses come and go while I was a PCT. I recommend you get to know your charge nurses and your team mates because they can really make or break your shift. Also, make sure you get an encouraging preceptor because it will make all the difference whether you stay or leave early on.