PCT, Med Surg Unit, 24hr, Nights

UMass Memorial Health•Leominster, MA

2d•$15 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician and in keeping with unit-specific standards, the Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities to meet patients’ personal needs and comfort and assists members of the healthcare team. The position receives workplace education and training and serves patients, nurses, physicians, and other colleagues who support care delivery. The posting describes a Med Surg Unit role scheduled for 24 hours, from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., with every other weekend and every other holiday. The stated hiring range is $15.00–$25.16, based on a 40-hour full-time schedule; compensation for part-time or reduced schedules is prorated based on scheduled hours and other factors. A signing bonus may be available, with eligibility confirmed during the interview process. The posting also describes PCT II-level responsibilities and qualifications, including the requirement to meet full competencies outlined by Nursing Professional Practice. The listed position title, however, is Patient Care Technician I. Work takes place indoors in a patient care environment and is physically demanding, involving frequent standing and walking, bending, and potentially pushing heavy equipment.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
Current Basic Life Support certification for the PCT II-level qualifications described; the PCT I-level section states certification is required within 30 days of employment.
For the PCT II-level qualifications described: demonstrated competency at the Patient Care Technician I level, at least 800 hours and six months as a PCT I, or six months of prior inpatient or outpatient direct patient care experience.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Medical terminology knowledge; PCT II-level qualifications specify medical terminology, while PCT I-level qualifications specify basic medical terminology knowledge.
Computer skills; PCT I-level qualifications specify basic computer skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative relationships, and provide exceptional patient service, as specified in the PCT II-level qualifications.
Problem-solving ability for routine situations, as specified in the PCT II-level qualifications.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Ability to use hand dexterity, hearing, and vision to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient conditions.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; the work involves heavy physical demands, standing and walking most of the time, and frequent bending, with the possibility of pushing heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

Communicate observations and patient changes clearly and promptly to the RN, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, or mental status.
Provide constant observation of assigned high-risk patients.
Help maintain a safe environment, use de-escalation interventions, and participate in restraints as directed and in accordance with training and policy.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, 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; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to the laboratory.
Perform 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, helping position patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward; use sterile technique when indicated.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; set up full-strength tube-feeding solutions and refill feeding bags as directed.
Empty and record output from approved sources, including Foley catheters, ostomy appliances, and drainage systems; perform ostomy care for established ostomate patients as directed.
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, family members, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Request assistance from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Keep current with hospital and unit changes through posted communications and regular reading and response to UMMHC emails.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when applicable.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings and educational events; apply quality improvement in daily work; and comply with health and safety requirements.
Contribute to a respectful, professional, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment; maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance; and perform other similar duties as required or directed.