Full-Time Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician - Medical Oncology

UPMC • Pittsburgh, PA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Shadyside is hiring a full-time Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician for its 6 Main Medical Oncology unit. The unit serves patients with a range of oncological diagnoses, primarily lymphoma, and provides chemotherapy and biological treatments. Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians provide routine patient care and support department services under the direction of nurses and/or physicians, following established policies and procedures to help maintain high-quality care.

Patient care may include assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, feeding, toileting, transporting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients; measuring blood glucose and vital signs; tracking intake and output; applying simple dressings; performing EKGs and bladder scans; and collecting specimens. The role also includes documenting in patients’ electronic medical records, responding to call lights, passing meal trays, transporting patients, distributing supplies, and maintaining a safe patient environment. Staff provide comfort, dignity, and hands-on support to patients.

The position is 36 hours per week and offers rotating day/night shifts or straight nights. Most work takes place in patient rooms, and employees work under nursing staff direction. The role involves spending much of the shift on your feet and helping patients move, bathe, and use the bathroom. UPMC provides appropriate PPE and training. Training includes online modules and unit-based instruction; patient care support training is required, with skills assessed on the first day and approximately three full training days planned. Employees use unit-provided computers, point-of-care equipment, electronic health records, email, and an assigned phone. Personal cell phones are not permitted in patient care areas and may be used during assigned breaks only.

UPMC offers a Nursing Support Career Ladder with opportunities for continued growth and advancement. Title and salary are determined by education and patient care experience. Starting pay for a Nursing Assistant is $19.40 per hour.

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 both orally and in writing.
• High school diploma or equivalent for Nursing Assistant and Patient Care Technician positions.
• For Patient Care Technician: one year of healthcare experience, or completion of at least one clinical rotation in a nursing or PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training, or a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); CPR 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.
• Patient Care Technician - Senior qualifications include two years of healthcare experience; or one year of experience plus at least one qualifying clinical rotation; or one year of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field.
• Patient Care Technician - Senior employees must complete an annual professional contribution determined after hire and successfully complete the Senior training class.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care as directed by a registered nurse.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, transporting, turning, and repositioning.
• Measure and record vital signs and blood glucose using point-of-care equipment.
• Track intake and output, including emptying and measuring urinary drainage when needed.
• Perform simple dressings, EKGs, and bladder scans, and collect specimens.
• Document care in medical records and navigate patients’ electronic health records.
• Respond to call lights, pass meal trays, transport patients, and contribute to universal unit activities.
• Maintain a safe patient environment and follow safety policies.
• Distribute supplies and equipment and report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
• Communicate effectively with the healthcare team and establish respectful relationships.
• Demonstrate cultural understanding and safety awareness.
• Receive feedback constructively, identify learning needs, and improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors.

Benefits

• UPMC Nursing Support Career Ladder with opportunities for continued growth and advancement.
• Resources, mentors, and leadership support for career development.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment and training provided.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED