Patient Care Technician II, ICU

University of Maryland Medical System•Glen Burnie, MD

About The Position

Under the direction of professional nursing staff, the Patient Care Technician II provides direct patient care and serves as a member of the interdisciplinary patient care services team. The role includes taking vital signs, checking surgical dressings, assisting with activities of daily living, drawing blood, collecting specimens, observing and documenting patient information, and communicating changes in patient status and care needs. The position performs delegated nursing tasks and procedures under the appropriate direction and supervision of licensed nursing staff.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current Maryland state certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA).
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Able to communicate effectively using verbal and written skills.
Able to maintain interpersonal relationships and use teamwork skills to provide care cohesively with other team members.
Able to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously, and function in stressful situations.
Ability to learn and use computer systems.
Demonstrates proper techniques and skills for obtaining accurate blood glucose results and documenting findings.
Demonstrates ability to perform delegated nursing tasks according to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served.
Demonstrates knowledge, practice, and accountability for skills or procedures that require aseptic technique.

Nice To Haves

One year of previous experience.

Responsibilities

Perform testing and manage patient care based on results and clinical findings.
Record patient care throughout the continuum, including feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring.
Complete, document, and report vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, and reported pain level.
Assist with patient admission, transfer, and discharge.
Participate in cost-effective strategies to optimize patient outcomes.
Promote patient safety, including fall prevention, and help maintain a safe clinical environment.
Maintain the order and appearance of patient rooms and work areas, as well as patient care supplies and linen.
Provide post-mortem care.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to carry out the plan of care and report observed changes in patients’ conditions.
Promote patient comfort in relation to pain status.
Measure and document urinary and stool output, calorie counts, and patient weight.
Assist with indwelling urinary catheter care; apply, maintain, and remove external urinary catheter devices; perform bladder scans and measure and document post-void residuals; and insert intermittent and indwelling catheters and document output.
Conduct blood glucose monitoring.
Perform venipuncture to draw blood samples and establish IV access.
Perform nasal swabs.
Gather equipment and initiate IV placement as directed by a registered nurse.
Set up and operate multiple-lead EKG machines, attach and remove EKG leads, and run rhythm strips.
Assist with enteral tube feedings through nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Perform chest physical therapy, tracheal suctioning, tracheostomy care, and incentive spirometry treatments as delegated and supervised by the responsible registered nurse.
Assist with simple dressing changes, wound care, skin care, and hygiene; report impaired skin integrity or wounds and assist with appropriate care strategies or treatment measures.
Collect patient specimens for laboratory testing using proper identification, collection, and documentation techniques.
Provide orthopedic and rehabilitation device care, including braces, splints, and CPM, and don and doff compression wraps or stockings.
Precept and mentor PCT I and PCT II staff and ensure completion of documentation.
Participate in hourly patient rounding with the healthcare team.
Respond to patient-triggered alarms, including call lights, chair alarms, bed alarms, and tele-sitter alarms.
Comply with The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals within scope of practice.
Detect, report, and act to avoid or correct safety risks; report adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
Maintain professional vigilance for assigned patients, including when assigned as a patient safety companion.
Use safe lifting techniques and body mechanics in daily practice.
Improve patient flow and prevent care delays.
Perform other duties as assigned.