Patient Care Tech, Hospital at Home, Per Diem

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

3d•$15 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician performs patient care activities and receives workplace education and training to assist the healthcare team. The position supports patient comfort, safety, and daily living needs in an indoor patient care environment. The posting includes detailed Patient Care Technician II duties and qualifications, including expanded clinical tasks, but does not clarify which level applies to this opening. The Patient Care Technician communicates observations and changes in patients to the RN, observes high-risk patients as assigned, supports a safe environment, and assists with personal hygiene, ambulation, meals, and patient movement. Duties described for the expanded technician level also include taking and documenting vital signs and measurements; performing EKGs, point-of-care tests, and bladder scans; collecting specimens; assisting with treatments and procedures; recording intake and output; replenishing supplies; and maintaining equipment. The role requires compliance with department policies and safety regulations, reliable attendance, participation in meetings as directed, and respectful, professional interactions with patients, families, visitors, and colleagues. Work involves standing and walking most of the time, frequent bending, possible pushing of heavy equipment, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The schedule is per diem, with a 12-hour mixed shift and holiday coverage that includes one major summer and one major winter holiday. A signing bonus may be available; eligibility is confirmed during the interview process.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
For the Patient Care Technician I description, Basic Life Support certification is required within 30 days of employment.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Basic computer skills.
Basic medical terminology knowledge.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
For the expanded Patient Care Technician II qualifications listed in the posting: demonstrated competency at the Patient Care Technician I level, at least 800 hours and six months as a PCA I, and prior inpatient or outpatient care experience or clinical care training.
For the expanded Patient Care Technician II qualifications listed in the posting: current Basic Life Support certification, medical terminology, computer skills, strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and problem-solving ability for routine situations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; work involves standing and walking most of the time, frequent bending, and possible pushing of heavy equipment.
Hand dexterity, hearing, and vision sufficient to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient observations.

Responsibilities

Communicate clearly and promptly with the RN about patient observations and changes, including skin condition, vital signs, and mental status.
Provide constant observation of high-risk patients as 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.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, ambulation, meals, and nourishment.
Move, lift, position, and transport patients using appropriate 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 and measure and record patients’ height and weight.
Perform EKGs, point-of-care tests, and bladder scans according to hospital standards; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to the lab.
Perform phlebotomy in certain locations.
Perform selected unit-specific procedures, check and clean equipment, and store supplies appropriately.
Assist an RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patients and equipment, helping position patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
Observe, measure, and record food and fluid intake; set up tube feeding solutions and refill bags as directed; record output; and perform directed ostomy care on established ostomate patients.
Respond sensitively to patient needs and build positive rapport and relationships.
Communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, families, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Request assistance from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Keep current with hospital and unit changes by reviewing communications and responding to UMMHC emails regularly.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians, as applicable to the expanded duties described in the posting.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, and health and safety requirements.
Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed; apply quality improvement in daily operations.
Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance and perform other similar duties as required or directed.