Patient Care Tech - Earn to Learn Program - Rotating - PRN

VCU Health•Tappahannock, VA

1d•$17 - $24

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician provides direct, age-specific care to patients under the direction of an RN or licensed independent practitioner, following medical orders and the plan of care. The role supports patient comfort, hygiene, safety, and clinical needs, and contributes to a safe, clean, and well-stocked care environment. The position is for a Rappahannock Community College nursing student eligible for the Earn to Learn program. The technician collects and records patient information, assists with specimen collection, monitors patient conditions, and communicates relevant updates or concerns to the health care team. Care is provided in accordance with VCUHS nursing and hospital policies and procedures. The role serves patients across the lifespan, from neonates through older adults, and requires age-appropriate, equitable care. The position requires adherence to patient safety and infection-control practices, including use of personal protective equipment and universal precautions. Employees must attend mandatory trainings and maintain effective, courteous rapport with patients, visitors, coworkers, and other health care team members. Compensation is listed at $17.25–$24.12; actual offers depend on relevant experience, credentials, and qualifications.

Requirements

Must be a Rappahannock Community College nursing student eligible for the Earn to Learn program.
High school degree or equivalent.
AHA BLS HCP certification or equivalent.
Certification or completion of one of the following: Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Military Corpsman/Medic, or Nursing Aide Training Program, with experience in a health care environment; alternatively, completion of a foundations/clinical nursing course and one clinical rotation.
Knowledge of patient data collection and documentation, including vital signs, intake/output, and changes in patient condition.
Knowledge of basic hygiene and activities-of-daily-living care.
Ability to assist with feeding, hydration, and nutrition.
Ability to assist with ambulation and patient mobility.
Ability to provide safe, compassionate care and be accountable for completing assigned tasks.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment as needed.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
Ability to exercise universal precautions and follow infection-control policies.
Ability to meet listed physical and sensory demands, including lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling up to 100 lbs., maneuvering patient weight, and performing shift work.

Nice To Haves

Certified Nursing Assistant education.
Acute-care experience as a nursing assistant or aide.

Responsibilities

Provide safe, direct, age-appropriate care to patients in the assigned unit.
Provide direct and indirect care to patients with and without medical or surgical complications, meeting comfort, hygiene, and safety needs.
Follow nursing and medical plans of care and VCUHS policies and procedures.
Maintain the assigned clinical area as a safe, clean, and stocked environment.
Maintain supplies, educational materials, equipment, and sterilization of supplies and instruments, as applicable.
Accurately identify patients, observe safety goals, and report patient responses or incidents posing a risk of harm to a licensed independent practitioner, manager, or RN.
Obtain and record initial and ongoing patient information, including admission data, vital signs, height, weight, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, intake and output, calorie counts, and other information required by VCUHS policy.
Obtain or assist with collecting specimens for diagnostic or waived tests.
Attend mandatory in-services and training and meet online training requirements.
Promote patient safety through job practices and participation in hospital, department, or unit safety initiatives.
Maintain courteous and effective rapport with patients, visitors, coworkers, and other health care team members; respond promptly to instructions and demonstrate sensitivity to others’ needs.
Provide equitable care appropriate to the ages and developmental needs of patients served.
Perform other duties as assigned.