Patient Care Tech, Med Surg, 24 Hours, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Marlborough, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician I works under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician and performs a variety of patient care activities after receiving workplace education and training. The role supports the healthcare team in caring for patients and helps meet their personal needs, comfort, and safety. The position is in an indoor patient-care environment and is scheduled for 24 hours per week on the day shift, with scheduled hours of 0645–1515, Sunday through Saturday. The posting lists a hiring range of $16.88–$28.01 based on a 40-hour full-time schedule; part-time compensation is prorated based on scheduled weekly hours and other stated factors. A signing bonus may be available, subject to eligibility confirmation during the interview process. The posting also includes Patient Care Technician II responsibilities and qualifications as supplemental information. These include a broader range of clinical tasks, such as recording vital signs, performing EKGs and point-of-care tests, collecting specimens, assisting with procedures, and supporting patient intake and output monitoring. PCT II qualification requires demonstrated PCT I competency, at least 800 hours and six months as a PCA I, and prior care experience or clinical training.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of employment as a condition 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 PCT II role described in the posting: current Basic Life Support certification.
For the PCT II role described in the posting: demonstrated competency at the Patient Care Technician I level, at least 800 hours and six months of work as a PCA I, and prior inpatient or outpatient care experience or clinical care training.
For the PCT II role described in the posting: medical terminology, computer skills, strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability for routine situations, and ability to remain calm under stress or in emergencies.
Ability to meet the physical demands described: hand dexterity, hearing and vision sufficient to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient observations; lift up to 50 pounds; stand and walk most of the time; and potentially push heavy equipment and bend frequently.

Responsibilities

Communicate promptly and clearly with 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 when directed and trained.
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.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings, conferences, or seminars; and use quality improvement in daily operations.
Follow health and safety requirements, demonstrate respectful and professional conduct, maintain reliable attendance, and perform other related duties as directed.
For PCT II duties described in the posting: perform patient safety checks, use fall-prevention strategies as directed, and follow restraint-policy standards.
For PCT II duties described in the posting: take and record vital signs, height, and weight.
For PCT II duties described in the posting: perform EKGs, point-of-care tests, and bladder scans; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport; and perform phlebotomy in certain locations.
For PCT II duties described in the posting: perform selected unit-specific tasks, including checking and cleaning equipment, changing telemetry batteries, and storing supplies properly.
For PCT II duties described in the posting: assist clinicians with treatments and procedures by preparing patients, obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, helping position patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
For PCT II duties described in the posting: observe, measure, and record food and fluid intake; set up and refill tube-feeding bags as directed; record output; and perform directed ostomy care for established ostomate patients.
For PCT II duties described in the posting: communicate respectfully and appropriately with patients, staff, families, and visitors; respond to patient needs; replenish supplies; request assistance when needed; keep current with hospital and unit communications; and precept new Patient Care Technicians when able.