Patient Care Tech/Certified Nurse Aide, Paola Campus

The University of Kansas Health System•Paola, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of a Nurse, the Patient Care Tech (Inpatient) is cross-trained as a Unit Secretary and Unit Assistant/Nurse Tech. Depending on departmental needs, the role combines direct patient care and technical assistance to the nurse with computer, clerical, scheduling, and supply functions needed to operate the unit. The position requires effective, tactful, and sensitive communication; self-motivation; sound decision-making with limited supervision; and the ability to keep others appropriately informed. The Patient Care Tech must have a strong knowledge of emergency procedures and remain calm in stressful situations. The role follows organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Duties may vary by department or unit, and other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED, or currently enrolled in a high school or GED program.
Meet at least one of the following: hold a CNA license; have completed the Gold Standard Intern Program; have documentation of fundamentals of nursing courses; or have at least 18 months in a relevant patient care role.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) certification from the American Heart Association within 14 days.

Responsibilities

Performs clinical and non-clinical duties for admissions, transfers, and discharges, including securing IV pumps, zeroing beds, and updating white boards.
Helps maintain a safe, clean environment by cleaning equipment, using infection-control techniques, reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment, changing sharps containers, keeping hallways clear, and wiping down the desk or nurses’ station. Upon discharge, cleans the white board, strips the bed, and removes and stores equipment and supplies appropriately.
Completes and documents daily care duties, including hygiene, vital signs, nutritional assistance, weight and height, ambulation, fingerstick blood sugar, and measuring intake and output.
Collects and labels specimens accurately and transports them to the Lab as indicated.
Makes patient rounds and responds promptly to call lights using excellent customer service techniques.
Promptly reports unusual incidents and changes in a patient’s condition or behavior to the appropriate staff member while maintaining confidentiality.
Introduces self to patients and families upon arrival in the room and communicates relevant information to the nurse or shift coordinator in a timely manner, including physician phone calls, stat orders, critical results, and patient needs.
Uses technology appropriately to enter or retrieve data and accurately enters orders and charges into the computer system as appropriate.
Manages and prioritizes own work and the time of others, and makes appropriate patient-care decisions.
Contributes to the plan of care under the nurse’s direction by following patient safety goals for fall risk and skin monitoring and reinforcing selected patient teaching initiated by the nurse.
Performs the professional, clinical, and/or technical competencies required by the assigned unit or department.