Patient Care Tech - Adult Psychiatry - Nights

VCU Health•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician provides direct, age-specific care to patients in an assigned unit based on medical orders and the plan of care, under the direction of an RN or licensed independent practitioner. The position serves patients across the lifespan, from neonates through older adults, and requires providing equitable care appropriate to each patient’s age and needs. The technician collects and records patient information throughout the cycle of care, including admissions data, vital signs, height and weight, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, intake and output, calorie counts, and other information required by policy. The role also includes assisting with specimen collection, supporting patients’ comfort, hygiene, nutrition, hydration, mobility, and safety, and communicating patient responses or safety concerns to the health care team. The technician helps maintain a clean, safe, and stocked clinical environment and follows nursing and medical plans of care, hospital policies, safety goals, and infection-control practices. The position requires courteous and effective interaction with patients, visitors, coworkers, and other health care team members, as well as completion of mandatory training and participation in patient-safety initiatives. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school degree or equivalent.
Certification or completion of one of the following: Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Military Corpsmen/Medic, or Nursing Aide Training Program.
Experience in a healthcare environment, or completion of a foundations/clinical nursing course and one clinical rotation.
AHA BLS HCP Certification or equivalent.
Knowledge of patient data collection and documentation, including vital signs, intake/output, and changes in patient condition.
Knowledge of basic hygiene and activities of daily living care.
Ability to assist with feeding, hydration, and nutrition.
Ability to assist with ambulation and patient mobility.
Ability to provide safe, compassionate care and be accountable for completing assigned tasks.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment as needed.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
Ability to exercise universal precautions and follow infection-control policies.

Nice To Haves

Certified Nursing Assistant education.
Acute care experience as a nursing assistant or aide.

Responsibilities

Provide safe, direct, age-appropriate care to patients in the assigned unit.
Monitor patients’ conditions and update the health care team.
Provide direct and indirect care to patients with or without medical or surgical complications, addressing comfort, personal hygiene, and safety needs.
Provide care in accordance with nursing and medical plans of care and VCUHS nursing and hospital policies and procedures.
Maintain the assigned clinical location as a safe, clean, and stocked environment.
Maintain supplies, educational materials, equipment, and, as applicable, sterilization of supplies, instruments, and the environment.
Accurately identify patients, observe safety goals, and report patient responses to the plan of care or incidents that could harm or threaten a patient to an appropriate licensed practitioner, manager, or RN.
Obtain and record initial and ongoing patient information, including admissions data, vital signs, height and weight, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, intake and output, and calorie counts.
Obtain or assist with collecting specimens for diagnostic or waived tests.
Attend mandatory in-services and trainings and comply with online training requirements.
Promote patient safety through job practices and participation in hospital, department, or unit safety initiatives.
Establish and maintain courteous, effective rapport with patients, visitors, coworkers, and other health care team members; respond promptly to instructions and demonstrate sensitivity to their needs.
Provide equitable care appropriate to the age and needs of patients served on the assigned unit.
Perform other duties as assigned.