Patient Care Tech IMC Casual

WVU Medicine•Weirton, WV

About The Position

The Patient Care Tech assists with the provision of patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The role performs duties in a responsible, professional manner consistent with nursing care standards, hospital policies and procedures, and applicable state regulations. This position is in the Nursing Stepdown cost center at Weirton Medical Center and is scheduled for 12 hours weekly on a varied shift.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff and patients.
Ability to adapt to changing environments.
Ability to meet the physical demands of heavy/hard work, including lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing, and walking.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of a nurse assistant or patient care technician training program.
Completion of a hospital-based Patient Care Technician program within 30 days of hire.
Current nursing student.
Six months of patient care technician experience.

Responsibilities

Follow the established plan of patient care.
Assist with admission, transfer, discharge, and transportation of patients.
Implement patient safety measures, including assisting with movement and ambulation, raising side rails as indicated, applying restraints under a registered nurse’s direction, and implementing fall protocols under a registered nurse’s direction.
Collect and record vital signs as instructed by the nurse.
Provide measures to meet patients’ comfort needs.
Collect and prepare specimens according to policy and procedure.
Provide patient care and treatments as instructed by the nurse, including bathing and other personal care, catheter care, oral hygiene, hot or cold compresses, vital-sign measurements, intake and output, ambulation, turning and positioning, applying assistive devices, traction setup and application, 12-lead EKGs, and oral suctioning with a Yankauer catheter.
Perform routine shift duties, including distributing fresh water, disposing of soiled linen, maintaining a clean and orderly unit, and stocking supplies.
Use clean and sterile technique and maintain Body Substance Isolation when delivering patient care.
Gather information about patient status and age-specific needs and report it to the nurse.
Understand the treatment needed by each patient and provide appropriate age-specific care that supports or enhances quality of life.
Perform food and nutritional duties, including distributing snacks and supplements, maintaining fluid restrictions, and assisting patients with meals and supplements as needed.
Keep the nurse informed about department activities or problems.
Establish and maintain good rapport with hospital personnel, patients, and families.
Explain tasks to patients and provide emotional support to patients and families.
Attend and actively participate in at least three staff meetings annually.
Respond immediately to patient signal lights and notify the nurse of patient problems.
Immediately report patient observations, requests, and unusual signs or symptoms to the charge nurse or team leader.
Support and adhere to hospital and nursing policies and procedures.
Institute emergency measures calmly and effectively.
Report safety or risk-management problems to the charge nurse or appropriate hospital personnel.
Document performed technical skills and observations in the medical record.
Assist with the preceptorship program when required.