HCT Wknd - Medical/Cardiac Unit CMH

Carle Health•Peoria, IL

About The Position

The HCT facilitates nursing-unit operations by performing receptionist, transcription, and clerical processes and/or assisting Registered Nurses with assigned patient-care and unit-maintenance activities. The position manages information and connects physicians, team members, and visitors with appropriate resources. Patient-care duties are delegated by a nurse and performed in accordance with applicable policies and procedures, with additional skills performed only after training and certification as directed and supervised by the nurse. The role provides direct support for patient hygiene, nutrition, elimination, skin care, comfort, activity, measurements, admissions, transfers, and discharges. It also supports specimen collection and bedside testing, documentation, patient safety, unit organization and maintenance, supply management, and communication with patients, families, visitors, physicians, and team members. The HCT uses unit technology and systems accurately, responds to patient and staff requests, and completes assigned work within the shift while supporting quality patient care and efficient unit operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) within 30 days.
At least one qualifying background: completion of CNA coursework within the past 24 months; Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA); successful completion of Carle's HCT In Training Program; at least one semester of nursing clinical experience; relevant medical military training; or work as a CNA within the past 24 months.

Responsibilities

Perform patient-care activities delegated by a nurse, following applicable policies and procedures.
Provide assigned patients with hygiene, nutritional, elimination, skin-care, comfort, and activity support.
Measure and record patient information, including intake and output, temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, weights, drain output, abdominal girth, and hose measurements.
Perform additional trained and certified skills as directed and supervised by the nurse, such as intermittent urinary catheterization and clean dressing changes, as applicable to the unit.
Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges, including vital signs, height and weight, room setup and orientation, and helping the patient into bed.
Set up care equipment; store, transfer, and pack patient belongings as appropriate.
Make rounds at least every two hours, respond promptly to call lights, anticipate patient needs, respect privacy, and report pertinent information to the assigned nurse in a timely manner.
Complete documentation before leaving the shift and obtain appropriate laboratory specimens.
Perform bedside laboratory testing and related quality-control activities in compliance with provider orders and hospital procedures and policies.
Organize and prioritize work as directed, complete work within the assigned shift, conserve supplies and linen, return unused equipment and supplies, and assist colleagues with assigned work.
Maintain a neat and safe patient environment and complete unit-maintenance tasks, including cleaning designated areas and equipment, stocking supplies, assembling admission packets, and preparing charts.
Perform errands, respond to urgent requests, and maintain knowledge of support-area locations and delegated supply-ordering processes.
Follow patient-safety practices, including appropriate use of protective equipment and lift equipment, safe transfers, body mechanics, handwashing, and prompt reporting of unsafe equipment or situations.
Accurately file patient-chart documents and keep the unit organized.
Print and file census and other reports, check accommodation codes, post assignments and patient information, prepare charts, and complete other assigned clerical tasks.
Use unit technology and systems, including bed management, staff phones, call-light systems, labels, fax machines, printers, intranet, and email; follow computer downtime procedures.
Greet and assist visitors, physicians, patients, and team members; answer calls professionally and route information accurately.
Build respectful working relationships, communicate openly and courteously, adapt to changing conditions, and support department goals and teamwork.
Attend educational offerings, unit and housewide meetings, and committees as applicable; participate in skill validation, peer evaluation, and quality-improvement efforts.
Explain procedures to patients and families within the nursing-assistant scope and respond to requests and concerns from team members.