Patient Care Technician - Neurology Unit (Harrisburg Hospital)

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) on the Neurology Unit at Harrisburg Hospital is responsible for providing direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). This role involves performing essential nursing assistant responsibilities, including assisting patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, and repositioning. PCTs also perform point-of-care testing, take vital signs, monitor intake and output, apply telemetry monitors, and implement measures to prevent hospital-acquired conditions. Additional duties include performing simple dressings, applying and removing restraints, performing bladder scans, collecting specimens, and adhering strictly to all hospital policies and procedures, including safety and standard precautions. The PCT is expected to contribute to unit activities, communicate effectively with the healthcare team, and document patient care in the medical record. Advanced skills such as phlebotomy, peripheral IV removal, Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia interpretation, 12-lead EKGs, and NG tube clamping/removal may also be required based on departmental needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Enrollment in a Nursing Program with: a) 1 year of general healthcare experience or b) 6 months experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion or c) Completion of at least 1 nursing program clinical rotation required
Successful completion of UPMC Patient Care Technician class upon hire
Successful completion of basic information system training
Microcomputer experience preferred
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medical to the nurse.
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Act 34

Nice To Haves

ACLS preferred

Responsibilities

Suggests and supports changes within the department.
Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges.
Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
Supports department-based projects and quality initiatives.
Performs UPMC core nursing assistant responsibilities including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients).
Performs point of care testing (inc. blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs).
Performs simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections and ticket to ride.
Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
Establishes appropriate and effective communication with other departments.
Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
Contributes to universal unit activities including responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
Constructively receives feedback and direction.
Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director.
Takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions.
Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
Provides patient care including assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living.
Assists with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status.
Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN.
May apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information.
Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions.
Documents in the medical record according to established procedures.
Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner.
Completes department clerical functions as needed.
Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Achieves and maintains competency and/or performs at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need: phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia, 12 lead EKG, and NG tubes clamping and removal.