Patient Care Tech I -Inpatient, Memorial Campus West 3 - Per diem

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities and receives workplace education and training to assist the healthcare team in caring for patients. The position is based in an inpatient patient-care environment and requires frequent standing and walking, bending, and assisting with patient movement and equipment. The posted role is per diem on a mixed shift schedule. The technician supports patient safety and comfort, communicates observations to registered nurses, assists with daily living needs, records vital signs and intake and output, performs specified tests and procedures, and helps clinicians prepare for and carry out treatments. The role also includes maintaining supplies and equipment, communicating respectfully with patients and others, following hospital policies and safety requirements, and keeping current with hospital and unit communications. The posting additionally includes a separate Patient Care Technician II description for reference and talent-acquisition purposes. Its higher-level duties and qualifications are not treated as requirements for the Patient Care Technician I role parsed here.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
Basic Life Support certification within 30 days as a condition of employment.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Basic computer skills.
Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Ability to perform the position's physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds and frequent standing, walking, and bending.

Responsibilities

Communicate clearly and promptly to the RN about patient observations and changes, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, or mental status.
Provide constant observation of high-risk patients when assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
Help maintain a safe environment, use de-escalation interventions, and participate in restraints as directed and in accordance with training and education.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, ambulation, meals, and nourishment.
Move, lift, position, and transport patients using proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
Perform patient safety checks, use fall-prevention devices or strategies as directed, and follow restraint policy standards when caring for restrained patients.
Take and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry; measure and record patient weights and heights.
Perform EKGs, Point of Care tests, and bladder scans; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to the lab.
Perform selected unit-specific procedures, such as changing telemetry-unit batteries, checking equipment status, cleaning equipment between patients, and storing supplies properly.
Assist the RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing the patient, obtaining equipment and supplies, helping position the patient, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; refill tube-feeding bags as directed; empty and record approved output from sources such as Foley catheters, ostomy appliances, and drainage systems; and perform directed ostomy care for established ostomates.
Respond sensitively to patients' needs, provide information, and build positive rapport and relationships.
Communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, family, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment as needed.
Request assistance from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Stay current with hospital and unit changes by reviewing communications and reading and responding to UMMHC emails regularly.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives and health and safety regulations.
Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed, and apply quality improvement in daily operations.
Demonstrate respect for diverse views and contribute to a professional, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment.
Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance and perform other similar duties as required or directed.