Patient Care Technician - BTU - JRI - Per Diem Days

Hackensack Meridian Health•Edison, NJ

6d•$21•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician provides direct and indirect care to a specific patient population as part of an interdisciplinary team. Under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse, the technician supports patient satisfaction, comfort, safety, and desired outcomes while expanding their knowledge and skills. The role includes patient, unit, and environment-related tasks and participation in patient safety and performance improvement initiatives. This position is based in the Brain Trauma Unit at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, an acute inpatient program serving medically stable adults recovering from brain injuries. The unit uses an integrated, interdisciplinary approach and provides rehabilitation services intended to help patients restore function and independence.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, or Patient Care Technician program; a Fundamentals of Nursing program at an accredited school of nursing; the HMH PCT Apprenticeship Program; or equivalent medical background experience such as EMT, Home Health Aide, CMA, MA, PCT, or Nursing Assistant.
Candidates who have not completed one of the listed programs but meet the other requirements may be considered for selection into the HMH PCT Apprentice Program; successful completion leads to transfer to the Patient Care Technician role.
Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing patient needs.
Accountability for improving the lives of patients and caregivers, teamwork, dedication to ongoing education, and a strong patient focus.
AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification within 60 days of entering the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience or certification in phlebotomy and in performing EKGs, checking vital signs, and checking blood sugar.
At least one year of PCT or CNA experience in a hospital setting, or eligibility for the HMH PCT Apprentice Program.
CNA, CMA, or PCT certification from a program that includes phlebotomy, EKG, and nursing assistant coursework in both theoretical and clinical settings.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care appropriate to patients’ physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, age, and related needs.
Support effective and safe patient outcomes through sound practice, judgment, and critical actions.
Communicate with patients, nursing colleagues, and other members of the healthcare team about patient status and care provided.
Take initiative to improve job performance and identify opportunities to contribute beyond assigned expectations.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team on patients’ plans of care from admission through discharge to support safe transitions and continuity of care.
Participate in unit and department performance improvement activities.
Welcome patients and verify identification bracelets.
Prepare patients for assessment, admission, physical examinations, and procedures.
Recognize and respond to opportunities to improve patient satisfaction.
Obtain and document clinical data, including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation; promptly notify the RN of abnormal results.
Draw intravenous or capillary blood using appropriate aseptic collection techniques, and label and process specimens correctly.
Perform venipuncture for laboratory tests and collect, label, and transport specimens to the appropriate location.
Perform EKGs as directed.
Check, maintain, and ensure the cleanliness and functionality of necessary equipment, including code carts, oxygen, and other emergency medical equipment as directed.
Apply bandages, slings, compression boots, and hypothermia blankets according to standards and RN direction.
Assist with patient transportation to departments or units.
Assist patients with meals or feeding as needed.
Check inventory and restock assigned areas as directed, and prepare rooms for admissions.
Provide hygiene and comfort care, including bathing, toileting, oral hygiene, incontinence care, and bed making.
Assist patients with dressing and undressing, manage belongings using the property checklist, and monitor the return of clothing to family.
Perform and document glucose finger sticks and collect other specimens as directed.
Provide postmortem care.
Obtain and document patient weights and observe and document intake and output.
Promote a safe patient environment by answering call lights promptly and immediately communicating changes in patient condition to the RN.
Identify the needs of the patient population and adapt care and communication to patients’ age, culture, language, sensory needs, developmental level, education, and literacy.
Complete other duties or projects as assigned and adhere to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.