Patient Care Technician Adult Med-Surg Step-down Unit PT Weekend Only- Arnett

IU Health•Lafayette, IN

10h

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (also known as a Patient Care Assistant or PCA) is a bedside caregiver on the Adult Med-Surg Step-down Unit who provides a positive patient experience by anticipating and meeting patients’ needs. This includes offering drinks, assisting with meal ordering, encouraging walking, helping with baths, and providing clean linens and gowns. The PCA provides clinical assistance to the bedside registered nurse by obtaining vital signs and reporting abnormalities or changes in patient behavior to the primary RN or charge nurse so that patients can receive prompt assessment and treatment. The role also emphasizes patient safety, including using gait belts and bed and chair alarms and staying within arm’s reach of patients while they move. The position requires compassion, a caring bedside manner, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It is a part-time weekend-only role, scheduled Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a holiday rotation.

Requirements

Current Basic Life Support certification through the AHA, or attainment of certification upon completion of the IU Health PCA education program.
Advanced life support certification may be required depending on unit or department specialty and patient care policies.
Knowledge of care appropriate to the age and developmental level of patients served.
Up-to-date knowledge of procedures and standards related to patient care activities.
Proficiency in interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to maintain mental awareness and withstand a high level of tension and stress.
Ability to maintain concentration amid frequent interruptions and variable noise levels.
Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in resolving problems.
Ability to set priorities and manage a high workload within limited time.
Knowledge of procedures, equipment, software, and standards related to patient care activities performed by non-licensed roles such as PCA/PCR/PCI.
Knowledge of infection-control principles and personal hygiene and aseptic techniques to prevent infection of patients, self, and others.
Ability to perform physically demanding, repetitive movements.
Ability to read and perform basic math.
Ability to organize tasks and attend to details.
Compassion, a caring bedside manner, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Anticipate and meet patients’ bedside needs, including providing drinks, assisting with meal ordering, encouraging walking, helping with baths, and providing clean linens and gowns.
Obtain patient vital signs and report abnormalities or changes in behavior to the primary RN or charge nurse.
Use safety measures such as gait belts and bed and chair alarms, and remain within arm’s reach of patients when they are moving.
Provide clinical assistance to the bedside RN and contribute to rapid detection and treatment of patient needs.