PCT, Foster Wing, 36hr, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Leominster, MA

8d•$15 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician performs patient care activities and assists the healthcare team in meeting patients’ personal care and comfort needs. The role includes observing patients, communicating changes to the RN, supporting patient safety, and providing assistance with daily living activities and clinical procedures. The position works indoors in a patient care environment and is scheduled for 36 hours per week on a 12-hour shift. The posting includes qualifications and responsibilities for both Patient Care Technician I and Patient Care Technician II levels.

Requirements

Minimum high school education or GED.
Current Basic Life Support certification; the Patient Care Technician I description specifies obtaining certification within 30 days as a condition of employment, from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
For Patient Care Technician II: demonstrated competency at the Patient Care Technician I level, at least 800 hours and six months as a PCA I, and prior inpatient/outpatient care experience or clinical care training.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Medical terminology knowledge.
Computer skills; basic computer skills are specified for Patient Care Technician I.
Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative relationships, and provide exceptional patient service (Patient Care Technician II).
Proven problem-solving abilities for routine situations (Patient Care Technician II).
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Ability to take direction from patients or providers, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient observations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; work involves standing and walking most of the time, frequent bending, and possible pushing of heavy equipment.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may substitute for stated requirements where certification, licensure, or registration is not required.

Responsibilities

Communicate clearly and promptly to the RN about patient observations and changes, including skin condition, vital signs, and mental status.
Provide constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
Help maintain a safe environment, use de-escalation interventions, and participate in restraints in accordance with training and direction.
Assist patients with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, ambulation, meals, and nourishment.
Move, lift, position, and transport patients using appropriate safety techniques and body mechanics.
Perform patient safety checks and use fall-prevention strategies or devices as directed; 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 according to hospital standards; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to the lab.
Perform phlebotomy in certain locations.
Carry out 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 and equipment, using sterile technique when indicated, positioning patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
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 approved outputs; and 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, families, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment; request help from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Stay informed about hospital and unit changes by reviewing communication materials and responding to UMMHC emails regularly.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when able.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, health and safety requirements, and quality-improvement practices; attend required meetings and maintain reliable attendance.
Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed.