Patient Care Technician I- Inpatient, 6 East, 24 Hour, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities. Receives workplace education and training to assist members of the healthcare team in the care of patients. This role is part of the 6 East unit and operates on a 24-hour schedule, with specific shifts from 7a-3:30p. The position is non-exempt and part of the SHARE union. UMass Memorial Health emphasizes that everyone is a caregiver, regardless of title, and is committed to exceptional patient care, academic excellence, and leading-edge research. The health system comprises over 20,000 employees working together to pursue healing.

Requirements

Minimum of a high school education or GED.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of employment.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.
Basic computer skills.
Basic Medical Terminology knowledge.
Must be able to remain calm when under stress or in emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated competency attainment in the Patient Care Technician I level.
Minimum of 800 hours and at least 6 months experience as a PCA I.
Prior inpatient/outpatient care experience or clinical care training.
Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build relationships, and provide exceptional service.
Proven problem-solving abilities for routine situations.

Responsibilities

Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients, such as changes in skin condition, vital signs, and/or mental status.
Provides constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment, utilizing interventions to de-escalate patients and participating in restraints if necessary, in accordance with training and education.
Assists patients with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals, and nourishment.
Assists in moving, lifting, positioning, and transporting patients by utilizing proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, utilizing fall prevention strategies, and following restraint policy standards.
Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry), and measures and records patients’ weights and heights.
Performs EKGs, Point of Care (POC) tests, and bladder scanning. Collects, labels, and prepares specimens for transport to the lab.
Performs other selected unit-specific procedures, such as battery changes for telemetry units, checking equipment status, cleaning equipment between patients, and proper storage of supplies.
Assists the RN/Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing the patient, obtaining equipment and supplies, helping to position the patient, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
Observes, measures, and records oral food and fluid intake. Refills tube feeding bags as directed. Empties and records output from various sources (e.g., Foley catheter, ostomy appliances, drainage systems). Performs ostomy care on established ostomate patients as directed.
Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ needs by acting as a source of information and building positive rapport and relationships.
Provides respectful, culturally and age-appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors, and others.
Replenishes patient and unit supplies and equipment as needed.
Requests assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
Stays current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards, bulletin boards, posted notices, and responding to UMMHC emails regularly.
Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
Attends meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed.
Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to a professional, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment.
Maintains regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.