Patient Care Technician - Specialist - Peri anesthesia- West Shore

UPMC•Mechanicsburg, PA

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician – Specialist plays a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care by assisting nurses and healthcare providers with daily clinical and personal care tasks. Duties include monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), collecting specimens, and maintaining a clean and safe patient environment. The role requires compassion, strong communication, patient-centered care, and adherence to healthcare protocols and safety standards. In addition to standard Patient Care Technician competencies, the Specialist must achieve and maintain competency in, and/or perform, at least one advanced skill based on department operational needs: basic arrhythmia, complex wound care, 12-lead EKG, or NG tube clamping and removal. The position may also involve collaborating with nurses on EKGs and phlebotomy, transporting cardiac-monitored patients, completing clerical functions, and providing instruction to patients and families under RN direction. Medication transport, when needed, is limited to transport between departments. Hours are between 0530 and 2330. Candidates may choose 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts. The title and starting pay rate may vary based on years of experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet one of the following experience and education pathways: (a) 2 years of general healthcare experience and meet requirements of the Patient Care Technician - Senior title; (b) 1 year of general healthcare experience and enrollment in a PT/OT/PA program with at least one clinical rotation completed; or (c) 1 year of general healthcare experience and a completed bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
Complete an annual professional contribution, to be determined after hire.
Successfully complete the Patient Care Technician Specialist class.
Successfully complete eRecord training.
CPR required based on AHA standards, including didactic and skills demonstration components, within 30 days of hire.
Hold Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Meet Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting requirements, including renewal.
Meet Act 33 requirements, including renewal.
Meet Act 34 requirements, including renewal.
Meet Act 73 FBI Clearance requirements, including renewal.

Nice To Haves

Nursing student who has completed one clinical rotation.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic, or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program.
ACLS preferred.
May require successful completion of the appropriate UPMC cardiac rhythm course, as determined by organizational guidelines and unit-based clinical operations.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions, and support workplace safety for patients and self.
Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
Contribute to universal unit activities, including responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
Perform nursing core patient care technician responsibilities, including bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
Perform point-of-care testing, including blood glucose testing; obtain weights, vital signs, and intake and output; apply or reapply telemetry monitors; and support HAC and PSI prevention, including TEDs and SCDs.
Complete simple dressings; apply and remove restraints; perform bladder scans; and collect specimens.
Perform IV catheter removal and insertion, Foley catheter removal and insertion, straight catheterization, phlebotomy, and ticket-to-ride procedures, as assigned and in accordance with competencies and instructions.
Achieve and maintain competency in, and/or perform, at least one department-needed advanced skill: basic arrhythmia, complex wound care, 12-lead EKG, or NG tube clamping and removal.
Provide instruction to patients and families under the direction of an RN, and apply, monitor, and remove restraints according to physician or hospital protocol.
Identify and communicate learning needs to the unit director or direct leader, and request assistance with planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
Take responsibility for assignments, approach problems constructively, and support department projects and quality initiatives.
Document in the medical record according to established procedures.
Transport cardiac-monitored patients within the hospital.
Complete department clerical functions as needed.
Transport medications between departments when required as part of patient transportation duties.