PATIENT CARE TECH II - PRN

HHC•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician provides a variety of services to patients and families in support of the assigned unit, as part of the patient care team and under RN supervision. This PRN/per-diem position is scheduled for one 8-hour shift per week while the employee is in nursing school. The shift is varied, and the role is non-exempt. The technician supports patient care through clinical tasks, documentation, safe patient transfers, upkeep of the care environment, and efforts to promote positive patient experiences. For staff assigned to the Main OR, duties also include helping prepare rooms and patients for surgical procedures, supporting operating-room efficiency, and assisting with surgical equipment and cleaning protocols.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an RN program at an accredited nursing school or have graduated from an accredited RN program within the past six months.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Ability to perform basic computer skills, including use of an electronic medical record.
Ability to communicate effectively and work well under stress.
Ability to successfully complete required on-the-job and e-learning training.
Ability to prioritize duties and use critical-thinking skills.
Ability to maintain strong customer-service skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous patient-care experience.

Responsibilities

Provide patient-care support by taking vital signs and pain assessments; monitoring accuchecks; measuring weight, height, intake, and output; performing EKGs; assisting with hygiene, dressing changes, linen changes, feeding, and other nourishment needs; drawing blood and submitting requisitions; performing Foley and ostomy care; removing peripheral IV access; and using sterile gloves and aseptic technique.
Reinforce patients’ orientation to person, place, and time; recognize distress or changes in condition and promptly report them to the RN.
When assigned as a close observer, maintain constant observation, report changes in behavior or condition to the RN, follow applicable suicide-precaution policies, remain at arm’s length when required, remove unnecessary or dangerous items, and document the patient every 15 minutes.
Complete area-specific documentation in EPIC, including vital signs, restraints, intake and output, pain scales, skin care, hygiene, activities of daily living, and calorie counts.
Support safe and efficient patient transfers and transport using wheelchairs, carts, stretchers, and mechanical lifts; use proper body mechanics; maintain IVs and other tubes during transport; and transport specimens and blood products as needed.
Help maintain regulatory readiness and an organized, clean environment; report equipment repairs, replenish supplies, set up and maintain suction canisters and orthopedic setups, and perform clerical duties.
Participate in unit efforts to support positive patient experiences, including rounding, communication boards, and other assigned best-practice communication techniques.
For Main OR assignments, review preference cards and ensure requested supplies, instruments, and equipment are available; retrieve and return items for surgical cases.
For Main OR assignments, assist with patient positioning and surgical preparation under nursing direction, and help surgical personnel prepare for procedures by opening supplies and setting up equipment.
For Main OR assignments, participate in performance-improvement projects focused on operating-room efficiency, including room turnover and on-time first-case starts.
For Main OR assignments, verify cleaning-protocol effectiveness through ATP testing and serve as an equipment resource for ancillary staff across the listed surgical services.