Patient Care Technician - Post Surgical Unit (Harrisburg Hospital)

UPMC • Harrisburg, PA

5d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works on the Post Surgical Unit at Harrisburg Hospital, providing patient care and supporting nursing staff. The technician assists with procedures and activities of daily living, helps with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies, and reports patient-status changes to the RN. The role includes routine nursing assistant responsibilities and additional unit-designated clinical skills. Advanced skills are maintained or performed according to departmental operational needs. Access to medications is limited to distributing medication to the nurse. Title and starting pay rate may vary based on years of experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Meet one of the following experience or education pathways: one year of general healthcare experience; six months of experience as a UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire, transfer, or promotion if the candidate has less than one year of experience; enrollment in a PT, OT, PA, or related healthcare training program with at least one clinical rotation completed; or a completed bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
• Successful completion of the UPMC Patient Care Technician class.
• Successful completion of eRecord training.
• CPR certification meeting AHA standards, including didactic and skills-demonstration components, within 30 days of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Act 34 clearance.
• Perform and demonstrate competency in UPMC nursing core assistant responsibilities and the additional skills required by the unit.

Nice To Haves

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic credential, or current enrollment in an EMT or Paramedic program.
• ACLS certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care, including assistance with procedures and activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, repositioning, and transporting patients.
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies; provide feedback to the RN and report changes in patient status.
• Perform nursing assistant responsibilities, including blood glucose and other point-of-care testing, weights, vital signs, intake and output, telemetry monitor application or reapplication, specimen collection, Foley care, and patient safety activities.
• Perform assigned additional skills, which may include phlebotomy, 12-lead EKGs, simple dressings, Foley catheter removal, bladder scans, straight catheterization, IV catheter removal, and NG tube clamping and removal.
• Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department and communicate effectively with other departments and members of the health care team.
• Participate in universal unit activities, including responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients, including intra-hospital transportation using ticket-to-ride procedures.
• Receive feedback and direction constructively; identify and communicate learning needs; seek assistance with planning and prioritizing; and participate in self-review as requested.
• Provide instruction to patients and families under the direction of an RN; apply, monitor, and remove restraints as permitted by physician or hospital protocol.
• Support workplace and patient safety, follow safety policies and standard precautions, and adhere to policies and procedures concerning patient care and hospital information.
• Develop and maintain respectful, productive working relationships and demonstrate accountability, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Support departmental changes, projects, and quality initiatives; take responsibility for assignments and contribute to efficient department operations.
• Document in the medical record according to established procedures, complete assigned work in a timely manner, and perform clerical functions as needed.
• Maintain competency in at least one or more advanced skills based on department operational needs, including phlebotomy or venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia recognition, 12-lead EKG, or NG tube clamping and removal.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED