Patient Care Technician

CareWell Health • East Orange, NJ

6d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician performs nursing procedures and patient care tasks, supporting nurses and physicians in the examination and treatment of patients. The role includes collecting vital signs and specimens, performing EKGs and point-of-care glucose testing within required competencies, assisting with personal care and mobility, monitoring patient safety, and documenting care in the electronic medical record. The technician must follow organizational policies and safety procedures, protect patient rights and confidentiality, maintain effective communication with patients, families, and the care team, and keep the patient environment and equipment ready for use.

The position also involves responding to call lights, completing assigned duties, supporting unit quality measures, orienting and providing feedback to new hires, and remaining current with education provided by the Education Department and Managers. The job description notes that responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• High school diploma and/or GED.
• EKG certificate.
• Phlebotomy certificate.
• BLS certification from the American Health Association for Healthcare.
• Great interpersonal and customer service skills and telephone etiquette.
• At least 1 year of experience in an acute care setting.
• Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and lift over 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work holidays and weekends and provide additional coverage as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist nurses and physicians in the examination and treatment of patients.
• Obtain routine and as-needed vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respirations.
• Perform EKGs and collect blood specimens using proper procedures and after completing required competencies.
• Perform point-of-care finger-stick blood glucose testing; do not perform a second finger-stick in response to critical results.
• Keep point-of-care equipment codes current and unexpired, and keep hospital-issued personal ID codes confidential and current.
• Change patient bed linen, empty Foleys, and perform bed baths independently or with the RN and/or MD as requested.
• Receive a verbal or written report from the RN before administering patient care.
• Document patient care activities in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain communication among the health care team and with families, staff, patients, and physicians.
• Wear the proper uniform and use proper body mechanics when working and caring for patients.
• Maintain patient safety and complete duties as directed by the RN and/or Nurse Manager.
• Answer all call lights and assist patients as needed.
• Assist patients with hygiene, toileting, grooming, and feeding when appropriate, and maintain NPO status when required.
• Follow departmental policies, procedures, regulations, and standards.
• Assist patients with mobility in and out of bed and with ambulation.
• Provide patient safety monitoring as requested, including one-to-one observation and line-of-sight observation.
• Provide emotional support and interact with patients in an empathetic and approachable manner.
• Perform daily rounds on all patients independently and with the Primary Nurse or Nurse Manager on the unit.
• Orient, monitor, and provide feedback for new hires.
• Keep current with education provided by the Education Department and Managers.
• Prepare for and assist with preparation for outside agency visits.
• Perform service recovery and address patient or visitor issues immediately.
• Collect data and unit-specific quality indicator measures.
• Keep patient rooms organized, clean, orderly, and stocked at par level with appropriate supplies.
• Dispose of waste materials, including linen, sharps, and garbage, properly and safely.
• Maintain a safe and quiet environment.
• Keep equipment plugged in and charged for immediate and ongoing use, and immediately report malfunctioning equipment.
• Use safe techniques during all procedures.
• Maintain patient rights and confidentiality according to organizational standards.
• Perform other duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

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