Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician - ICU

Independence Health System Careers•Latrobe, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of an RN or LPN. The role supports patient activities of daily living, responds to patient and family requests, collects and reports patient-care information, assists with patient education, and helps maintain a safe, clean, well-stocked care environment. The technician collaborates with other healthcare providers, communicates patient concerns and pertinent information, and supports quality improvement, regulatory compliance, infection control, and patient safety. The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may coach and mentor others and serve as a preceptor for new hires or students. Depending on direction and assignment, duties may include obtaining vital signs, performing blood glucose testing and EKGs, applying telemetry leads and pulse oximetry, assisting with suction equipment and urinary catheter care, performing simple dressing changes and ostomy care, transporting patients and specimens, and maintaining unit supplies and equipment. Incumbents are scheduled according to operational need, which may include rotating shifts, standby, or on-call work. Local travel between Independence Health locations may be expected. When lifting requirements exceed 50 pounds, two-person assistance and/or a transfer device is required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to follow directions from other team members.
Ability to work independently on assigned duties.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED curriculum, or ability to obtain it within five days of hire.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 34 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI clearance with renewal.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Nurse Aide or comparable program, such as EMT or Medical Assistant training, nursing studies with at least one semester of clinical experience, or prior experience in a related field.
Computer skills.
Phlebotomy experience.
EKG experience.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and indirect patient care under the direction of an RN or LPN and in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
Assist patients with care needs and activities of daily living; respond promptly to call lights and patient and family requests.
Collect, document, and report patient-care data as directed, including intake and output and daily weights when indicated.
Obtain patient-care equipment and transport patients as directed.
Perform assigned technical skills as applicable, such as obtaining vital signs, blood glucose testing, EKGs, applying telemetry leads and pulse oximetry, urinary catheter care, ostomy care, simple dressing changes, and oral pharyngeal suctioning.
Make purposeful hourly rounds to address patient needs and the physical environment.
Support patient education, self-care, and health maintenance; obtain resources as needed and report patient readiness to learn to the RN/LPN.
Collaborate with healthcare providers to support desired outcomes and continuity of patient care.
Communicate actual or potential patient problems to the professional or practical nurse and share pertinent information during shift reports and transfers.
Participate in unit performance-improvement activities, assist with data collection, and recommend improvements.
Use critical thinking to solve problems, seek supervisor assistance when appropriate, and remain accountable for actions.
Serve as a resource, patient advocate, coach, and mentor; perform preceptor or mentor duties for new hires and students as assigned.
Help control organizational and departmental costs and maintain adequate supplies, including monitoring sterile supplies for expiration and replacing them as needed.
Support compliance with state, Joint Commission, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements and maintain survey readiness.
Follow infection-control procedures and standard precautions to reduce infection risk.
Promote patient safety, including using two forms of patient identification before providing care and supporting appropriate restraint use and documentation.
Assume an appropriate code-team role during code situations or mock codes and respond effectively to emergencies and disasters.
Maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Collect, identify, label, and deliver specimens and diagnostic studies to the appropriate department.
Perform other duties as assigned.