PRN PCT nights Ortho/Spine

The University of Kansas Health System•Olathe, KS

About The Position

The Patient Care Tech (Inpatient) works under the direct supervision of a nurse and is cross-trained as a Unit Secretary and Unit Assistant/Nurse Tech. Depending on department needs, the role combines direct patient care and technical assistance to nurses with computer, clerical, scheduling, and supply functions that support unit operations. The tech is expected to communicate effectively with tact and sensitivity, work independently with limited supervision, keep others appropriately informed, and remain calm during stressful situations. The role follows organizational and departmental policies and procedures and requires the professional, clinical, and technical competencies of the assigned unit.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or current enrollment in a high school or GED program, and one of the following: a CNA license; completion of the Gold Standard Intern Program; documentation of fundamentals of nursing courses; or at least 18 months in a relevant patient-care role.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) certification from the American Heart Association within 14 days.
Ability to perform the professional, clinical, and technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
Excellent communication skills, tact and sensitivity, self-motivation, ability to work and make decisions with limited supervision, and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Employees hired before August 1, 2025, are not required to meet the stated high school/GED, CNA license, or Gold Standard Intern Program requirements.

Responsibilities

Prepare for admissions, transfers, and discharges by completing clinical and non-clinical tasks, including securing IV pumps, zeroing beds, and updating whiteboards.
Maintain a safe and clean environment by cleaning equipment, using infection-control techniques, reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment, changing sharps containers, keeping hallways clear, and wiping down the desk or nurses' station.
Upon discharge, clean the whiteboard, strip the bed, remove equipment and supplies, and store them appropriately.
Complete and document daily care tasks, including hygiene, vital signs, nutritional assistance, height and weight, ambulation, fingerstick blood sugar, and intake and output measurements.
Collect and label specimens accurately and transport them to the lab as indicated.
Make patient rounds and respond promptly to call lights using excellent customer service techniques.
Promptly report unusual incidents and changes in a patient's condition or behavior to appropriate staff while maintaining confidentiality.
Introduce self to patients and families upon arrival in the room.
Communicate relevant information promptly to the nurse or shift coordinator, including physician phone calls, stat orders, critical results, and patient needs.
Use technology appropriately to enter or retrieve information and accurately enter orders and charges into the computer system as appropriate.
Manage and prioritize own time and tasks, make appropriate patient-care decisions, and keep others informed.
Contribute to the plan of care under the nurse's direction by following patient safety goals for fall risk and skin monitoring, and reinforce selected patient teaching initiated by the nurse.
Perform other duties as assigned and follow applicable safety restrictions, including restrictions on employees under 18 operating or assisting with powered patient-lifting devices or caring for patients with potential exposure to radioactive substances or ionizing radiation.