Patient Care Tech - Short Stay Observation Unit (0.2 Day/Eve)

Mercy Cedar Rapids•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

The Patient Care Tech supports Mercy’s philosophy of patient-centered care by providing safe and effective patient care under the supervision of a Licensed Nurse. The role performs tasks and support functions delegated by the department and may take on additional responsibilities as delegated. This position is in the Short Stay Observation Unit and is scheduled for 8 hours per week on the day/evening shift. The role includes communicating relevant patient information to patients, families, and coworkers; observing and reporting changes in patient condition; documenting care accurately and in real time; protecting patient privacy; responding to emergencies within the scope of practice; and organizing work around patient and department needs. Department-specific tasks include obtaining and setting up equipment and CPMs, preparing rooms and pre-operative beds, stocking supplies, and using computer systems to access information for handoffs and documentation.

Requirements

Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification in accordance with the American Heart Association.
Complete Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse and Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training and submit certification to Human Resources before the start or transfer date.
Ability to provide safe and effective patient care.
Ability to remain focused in stressful situations and perform multiple tasks quickly.

Nice To Haves

Previous Patient Care Tech or Certified Nursing Assistant experience.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Health Support Professional program.
At least two years in a baccalaureate program.
One year in an Associate’s Degree in Nursing program.
Comparable education, training, and experience if a CNA or Health Support Professional program has not been successfully completed.

Responsibilities

Communicate accurate, clinically relevant information to patients, families, and coworkers during handoffs and as needed.
Ensure appropriate parties communicate necessary information to support the best possible patient outcomes.
Provide safe and effective patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse by performing delegated tasks and support functions.
Observe and report changes in patient condition and relevant information about patient or significant-other needs to the licensed nurse.
Communicate effectively and appropriately for the patient’s age, including understanding non-verbal communication, fears, anxieties, and language or cultural barriers.
Maintain accurate, real-time documentation of patient care.
Protect patient privacy by knocking, closing curtains, and protecting patient information.
Respond within scope of practice to emergencies and life-threatening conditions.
Support practice changes designed to improve performance and help identify quality-improvement opportunities.
Organize and prioritize daily work according to the needs of patients, families, and healthcare workers.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of patient rooms and department work areas.
Identify changing priorities, take initiative, and recommend and implement changes in coordination with a supervisor.
Follow Mercy safety guidelines, perform job-specific safety duties, and promptly report unsafe conditions, situations, incidents, and injuries.
Obtain equipment and CPMs for patients and set them up and remove them as ordered by a physician or delegated.
Prepare rooms and pre-operative beds for surgery as trained and delegated.
Participate in regular stocking of supplies in patient rooms and alcoves according to department standards.
Use computer systems competently to find needed information for handoffs and documentation.