Patient Care Tech/Certified Nurse Aide, Paola Campus

The University of Kansas Health System•Paola, KS

1d•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 department needs, the role combines direct patient care and technical assistance to nurses with computer, clerical, scheduling, and supply functions necessary for unit operations. The position requires effective communication with tact and sensitivity, self-motivation, sound decision-making with limited supervision, and the ability to remain calm during stressful situations. The Patient Care Tech follows organizational and departmental policies and procedures and must be able to perform the professional, clinical, and technical competencies of the assigned unit or department. Duties may vary by 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.
In addition to the education requirement, meet 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 of experience in a relevant patient care role.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) certification from the American Heart Association within 14 days.

Responsibilities

Perform clinical and non-clinical tasks for admissions, transfers, and discharges, including securing IV pumps, zeroing beds, and updating whiteboards.
Help 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.
Prepare rooms after discharge by cleaning the whiteboard, stripping the bed, and removing and properly storing equipment and supplies.
Complete and document daily care duties, including hygiene, vital signs, nutritional assistance, height and weight, ambulation, fingerstick blood sugar, and intake and output measurements.
Collect and label specimens accurately and transport them to the laboratory as indicated.
Round on patients and respond to call lights immediately using excellent customer service.
Promptly report unusual incidents and observed changes in a patient’s condition or behavior to appropriate staff while maintaining confidentiality.
Introduce self to patients and families upon arrival in the room.
Communicate relevant information promptly to the nurse or shift coordinator, including physician phone calls, stat orders, critical results, and patient needs.
Use technology appropriately to enter or retrieve information from computer systems, and accurately enter orders and charges as appropriate.
Manage and prioritize own time and the time of others, and make appropriate decisions regarding patient care.
Contribute to the plan of care under nurse direction by following patient safety goals for fall risk and skin monitoring.
Reinforce selected patient teaching initiated by the nurse.