Emergency Care Technician - Emergency Department Nights - 36hrs/wk

umhealthwest•Wyoming, MI

20h

About The Position

The Emergency Care Technician (ECT) provides basic nursing care to patients and performs tasks that support Emergency Department operations under the direction and supervision of the ED charge nurse or designee. This is a night-shift position scheduled for 36 hours per week, with a 0.9 FTE and every-other-weekend coverage. The position is not on call. The ECT gathers and documents patient data, measures vital signs, obtains and processes specimens, uses ED equipment, assists with patient mobility and personal care, and performs delegated technical skills. The role also includes maintaining a safe environment, protecting patient privacy, supporting quality assurance, communicating effectively with patients and staff, and participating in education and competency activities. Depending on department needs, the ECT may be cross-trained to function as an Emergency Department Clinical Secretary. ECTs may also train new staff under the supervision of the Emergency Department Educator and ED charge nurse.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet at least one of the following: current Certified Nurse Aide (CENA) certification; current enrollment and continued progression in a health science program; or equivalent experience.
For health science program enrollment, completion of a nursing fundamentals course and/or one clinical rotation is preferred. Considered programs include nursing school, pre-PA school, medical school, or a closely related health science program.
Equivalent experience may include Medical Assistant, Paramedic, Medical First Responder, EMT, Nurse Tech, Resident Aid/Assistant, or LPN experience.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) provider certification.
Ability to successfully complete unit-specific core competencies as defined in the orientation checklist.
Maintain CNA skills and competencies through current ECT experience by working full-time, part-time, or resource hours in the ECT role, if applicable.

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and patient confidentiality.
Experience in an acute care or extended care facility or clinic.
For health science program candidates, completion of a nursing fundamentals course and/or one clinical rotation.

Responsibilities

Gather patient data and accurately measure and record vital signs, weight, and height.
Use available equipment and technology to obtain ECGs, apply cardiac monitors, and measure temperatures, heart rates, blood pressures, respiratory rates, and pulse oximetry.
Obtain or assist with obtaining laboratory specimens and safely process them; perform point-of-care blood glucose testing, urine pregnancy tests, and urine dip analysis.
Use Emergency Department equipment and supplies safely and effectively.
Move, transfer, reposition, turn, and ambulate patients safely, using appropriate techniques and devices; assist with transfers, hip precautions, traction, and full C-spine precautions as directed.
Assist patients with hygiene, simple dressing changes, catheter and drainage-tube care, and post-mortem care.
Perform delegated advanced technical skills, including urinary catheter insertion and removal where assigned, and assist physicians with examinations and procedures.
Apply orthopedic splints, provide crutches and soft goods, assist with orthopedic procedures, and instruct patients in crutch use.
Assist patients with elimination needs, including bedpans, urinals, bedside commodes, drainage measurement and recording, and cleansing or retention enemas.
Set up and maintain sterile trays and follow sterile technique.
Apply restraints as authorized and monitor their efficacy under Registered Nurse direction.
Maintain awareness of department supplies and equipment, help assess supply needs, and use the hospital inventory system to replenish supplies.
Identify, report, and help ensure repair or replacement of malfunctioning equipment using the hospital system.
Report care provided, data collected, and observed patient behaviors and responses to the Registered Nurse; document information using approved forms or systems.
Help maintain a safe Emergency Department environment, support risk management activities, follow department and hospital policies, and adhere to standard precautions.
Protect patient privacy, rights, and confidential information.
Participate in Emergency Department quality assurance activities.
Communicate appropriately with patients and other customers, listen carefully, and demonstrate consideration for patients, families, and colleagues.
Attend mandatory education and job-specific meetings and maintain required competencies.
Cooperate with 24-hour staffing patterns and scheduling needs.
Work as a team member and, when assigned, train new staff under the supervision of the Emergency Department Educator and ED charge nurse.
Demonstrate punctuality, attendance, initiative, and exemplary customer service.
When cross-trained based on department needs, perform the essential functions of the Emergency Department Clinical Secretary.