Patient Care Technician - Med/Surg - Per Diem Days

Hackensack Meridian Health•Neptune Township, NJ

1d•$21

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 care outcomes while expanding their knowledge and skills. The role also includes assisting with patient, unit, and environmental tasks and participating in patient safety and performance-improvement initiatives. The technician collects and documents clinical information and specimens, performs assigned procedures such as venipuncture, EKGs, and glucose testing, and provides hygiene, comfort, mobility, meal, and other support. The role requires ongoing communication with patients, nursing colleagues, and other members of the health care team, including promptly notifying the RN of abnormal findings or changes in a patient's condition. Care should be adapted to the age and individual needs of patients, including cultural, language, developmental, literacy, and sensory needs.

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 from 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 the HMH PCT Apprentice Program and, if selected, hired as a PCT Apprentice.
Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing patient needs.
Strong accountability, teamwork, dedication to ongoing education, and commitment to high-quality, patient-focused care and service.
AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification within 60 days of entering the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience or certification in phlebotomy and checking EKGs, vital signs, and 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 the physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, age-related, and other needs of patients in the assigned service.
Promote effective and safe patient outcomes through sound practice, judgment, and timely action.
Communicate with patients, nursing colleagues, and other health care team members about patient status and care provided.
Participate in interdisciplinary care planning from admission through discharge to support safe transitions and continuity of care.
Participate in unit and department performance-improvement activities and patient safety initiatives.
Welcome patients and verify proper identification bracelets.
Prepare patients for assessment, admission, physical examinations, and procedures.
Obtain, document, and report clinical data, including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation; immediately notify the RN of abnormal results.
Collect blood and other specimens using appropriate techniques; label, process, and transport specimens correctly and promptly.
Perform venipuncture for laboratory tests and glucose finger sticks as directed.
Perform EKGs as directed.
Check and maintain the presence, functionality, and cleanliness of equipment, including code carts and oxygen 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 room environments 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 and property checklists, and monitor the return of clothing to family.
Provide post-mortem care.
Obtain and document patient weights and observe and document intake and output.
Maintain a safe patient environment by promptly answering call lights and immediately communicating changes in patient condition to the RN.
Adapt care and communication to the needs of the patient, parent, or primary caregiver, including age, culture, language, hearing, vision, developmental level, education, and literacy.
Take initiative to improve job performance and identify opportunities to enhance patient satisfaction.
Perform other duties or projects as assigned and adhere to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.