Patient Care Tech, Med Surg, 24 Hours, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Marlborough, MA

3d•$17 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician performs patient-care activities and assists the healthcare team. The role receives workplace education and training and provides care to meet patients’ personal needs and comfort. The position works indoors in a patient-care environment and involves substantial standing and walking, frequent bending, and potentially pushing heavy equipment. The technician supports patient safety and comfort, communicates observations and changes to the RN, assists with daily living activities and mobility, and helps with clinical tasks and procedures according to training, hospital standards, and unit-specific direction. The job posting also includes expanded Patient Care Technician II duties and qualifications, including additional clinical procedures and competency requirements.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of employment for the Patient Care Technician I requirements; the expanded Patient Care Technician II qualifications specify current Basic Life Support certification.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Basic computer skills for the Patient Care Technician I role; computer skills are required in the expanded Patient Care Technician II qualifications.
Basic medical terminology knowledge for the Patient Care Technician I role; medical terminology is required in the expanded Patient Care Technician II qualifications.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
For the expanded Patient Care Technician II role: demonstrated competency attainment at the Patient Care Technician I level, at least 800 hours and six months as a PCA I, and prior inpatient or outpatient care experience or clinical care training.
For the expanded Patient Care Technician II role: strong interpersonal skills, proven problem-solving abilities for routine situations, and the ability to gather information and build collaborative working relationships.
Ability to perform the stated physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Communicate clearly and promptly 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 as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
Help maintain a safe environment, use de-escalation interventions, and participate in restraints as directed and in accordance with training.
Assist patients with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, ambulation, meals, and nourishment.
Move, lift, position, and transport patients using proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
Perform patient safety checks, use directed fall-prevention strategies, and follow restraint policy standards when caring for restrained patients.
Take and record vital signs, and measure and record patients’ height and weight.
Perform EKGs, point-of-care tests, and bladder scans according to hospital standards; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to the lab.
Perform phlebotomy in certain locations.
Complete selected unit-specific procedures, such as changing telemetry batteries, checking equipment, cleaning equipment between patients, and storing supplies properly.
Assist an RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patients, obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, using sterile technique when indicated, positioning patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; set up full-strength tube-feeding solutions and refill bags as directed; empty and record approved outputs; and provide directed ostomy care for established ostomate patients.
Respond sensitively to patients’ needs, provide information, and build positive rapport and relationships.
Communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, families, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment, and request assistance from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Stay current with hospital and unit updates by reviewing communication boards, books, notices, and UMMHC emails.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when qualified.
Follow departmental policies, procedures, objectives, and health and safety requirements; attend required meetings and conferences; apply quality improvement in daily work; demonstrate respect and professionalism; maintain reliable attendance; and perform other related duties as directed.