Patient Care Tech

CommonSpirit Health•Bakersfield, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) delivers direct patient care under the supervision of the clinical team, applying basic patient-care principles and medical terminology. The role includes assisting patients with personal care, mobility, and feeding; monitoring vital signs; documenting observations; maintaining a therapeutic and organized patient environment; and working with nursing staff to prepare patients for procedures or transport. Additional duties may include CNA, unit secretary, monitor technician, sitter, and Family Birth Center tasks, depending on unit needs and training. Mercy Hospital provides additional education for specified duties such as simple dressing changes, Foley catheter daily care, and mouth suctioning in preparation for procedures. The position is at Dignity Health–Mercy Hospital, a 229-bed nonprofit acute-care hospital in Bakersfield, California. The hospital provides services including a Level II NICU, cancer care, women’s health, and orthopedics.

Requirements

High school graduate in General Studies or two years of equivalent work experience, upon hire; or high school GED in General Studies or two years of equivalent work experience, upon hire.
One of the following credentials is required upon hire: California Certified Nursing Assistant; Certified Clinical Medical Assistant; Certified Medical Assistant (NHA); National Certified Medical Assistant (NCCT); National Registered/Certified Medical Assistant (NAHP); Registered Medical Assistant (AMT); Registered Medical Assistant; or Certified Medical Assistant (MMCI).
Basic Life Support (CPR), upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a CNA, Monitor Tech, and/or Unit Secretary.

Responsibilities

Take vital signs and assist patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, bathing, grooming, skin care, elimination, and feeding.
Provide infant care as needed, including diaper changes, cord care, and bathing.
Measure and record oral intake and output, keep patients supplied with drinking water, make beds, tidy patient areas, and keep patient equipment clean.
Perform additional trained duties, including simple dressing changes, Foley catheter daily care, and mouth suctioning in preparation for procedures.
Enter orders in designated computer systems; review physician orders and follow up as indicated; notify licensed staff or the Registered Nurse of new orders; and fax or scan medication orders to Pharmacy.
Prepare and maintain patient charts, review them for completeness and signatures, track documents, enter intervention orders and interventions, and maintain floor census and admission, transfer, and discharge records in the Hospital Information System.
Maintain nursing-station order and floor stock, handle mail, and set aside medical records for pickup within 24 hours of discharge.
Answer telephones professionally and promptly, and answer call lights in a timely manner, directing patient needs to appropriate personnel.
Perform monitor technician duties as trained, including running and reviewing rhythm strips, monitoring telemetry, recording admission cardiac rhythms, setting alarm limits, responding to alarms, notifying the RN of significant rhythm changes, maintaining telemetry equipment, and performing EKGs with appropriate training.
Participate in unit performance-improvement activities, attend required meetings or classes, attend at least half of team meetings, and review and sign meeting minutes.
Provide one-to-one observation for patients as assigned, maintain constant visual observation, document checks every 15 minutes, search rooms for inappropriate items, report changes and patient needs to nursing staff, and help maintain patient safety, privacy, and comfort.
Assist with patient hygiene and daily activities as appropriate, provide conversation and emotional support, and communicate effectively with patients, families, visitors, and the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Follow body mechanics and infection-control standards, maintain confidentiality, recognize potential signs of abuse or neglect, and support patient privacy, choices, and age-appropriate communication.
In the Family Birth Center, assist with ambulation and transportation, make rounds, support mothers with infant feeding and care, set tables for deliveries, assist during deliveries and cleanup, maintain supplies and delivery carts, and assist in NICU as needed.
Enter patient name and medical record number into the QS System before placing a patient on a monitor, help ensure Newborn Screening forms are complete and sent, and complete paperwork for C-section and NICU admissions.
Report significant changes in patient condition promptly to the RN or charge nurse and seek and accept direction from nursing leadership.