Full-Time Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician - Thoracic Surgery Stepdown

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Shadyside is seeking a full-time Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician for its 3 Main Surgical Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit, a 38-bed post-operative unit specializing in thoracic surgery recovery and caring for high-acuity surgical and interventional cardiac patients. The role works 36 hours per week across day, evening, night, and weekend shifts. Nursing Assistants/Patient Care Technicians provide routine patient care and support department services in accordance with established policies and procedures. Under the direction of nurses and/or physicians, they help maintain high-quality patient care. Duties may include assisting with activities of daily living, blood glucose checks, vital signs, simple dressings, EKGs, bladder scans, and specimen collection. UPMC offers a Nursing Support Career Ladder with opportunities for growth and advancement. Title and salary are determined based on education and patient care experience; the stated starting pay for a Nursing Assistant is $19.40. Patient Care Support training is required. Skills are assessed on the first day to determine individual training needs; candidates should plan for three full training days, Monday through Wednesday.

Requirements

Successful completion of a UPMC nursing assistant or EIC training program, or successful completion of the UPMC patient care technician class.
Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
High school diploma or equivalent for Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Patient Care Technician - Senior roles.
Patient Care Technician: one year of healthcare experience, or completion of at least one clinical rotation as part of a nursing or PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training, or a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
Patient Care Technician - Senior: two years of healthcare experience; or one year of experience plus completion of at least one qualifying clinical rotation or related healthcare training; or one year of experience and a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
Patient Care Technician - Senior: annual completion of a professional contribution, as determined after hire.
Patient Care Technician - Senior: successful completion of the Senior training class.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
CPR, when required, must meet AHA standards and include didactic and skills demonstration components within 30 days of hire.
Act 34 clearance.
Access to medications is limited to distributing medication to the nurse.

Nice To Haves

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors.
Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
Establish effective communication strategies and respectful relationships.
Contribute to universal unit activities, such as responding to call lights, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
Receive feedback constructively and identify learning needs.
Improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
Communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
Demonstrate cultural understanding and safety awareness.
Perform nursing assistant core responsibilities, including activities of daily living, point-of-care testing, and vital signs.
Provide direct patient care as directed by an RN.
Maintain a safe patient environment.
Distribute supplies and equipment.
Document in medical records and comply with safety policies.