Patient Care Technician – Med-Surg: Diabetes/Renal | Nights

Howard University Hospital • Washington, DC

8h • $19 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Patient Care Technician on 5 East — Renal Diabetes Unit at Howard University Hospital, you will provide direct, hands-on care to patients with chronic kidney disease (including those receiving dialysis), diabetes, and complex medical conditions requiring close attention to fluid balance and glycemic management. Working under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or other licensed health care professional, you will perform clinical tasks within the Patient Care Technician scope of practice, support patients with activities of daily living, observe and report vital signs and patient-reported symptoms, and serve as a vital member of the care team. If you are a Patient Care Technician looking to grow your skills in a specialized renal and diabetes care environment at one of the nation’s most storied academic medical centers, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Current, active certification as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to multi-task

Nice To Haves

• Six (6) months or more of prior PCT experience in an acute care hospital setting
• Experience in renal/dialysis, diabetes, or medical-surgical nursing units
• Familiarity with fingerstick blood glucose monitoring and strict intake/output documentation

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical tasks within the Patient Care Technician scope of practice, under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or licensed health care professional — including peripheral IV insertion and discontinuation, administering electrocardiograms (EKGs), phlebotomy and specimen collection, fingerstick blood glucose testing, urinary catheter insertion and discontinuation, oxygen equipment monitoring, pulse oximetry, incentive spirometry, application of elastic stockings and sequential compression devices, and elimination procedures
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, ambulation, transfers, toileting, and special skin care; reposition patients per RN direction
• Perform fingerstick blood glucose checks as scheduled or ordered by the RN; measure and document strict intake/output and daily weights; observe and report changes in skin integrity, including lower extremity edema and foot wounds in diabetic patients; respect arteriovenous (AV) fistula and graft precautions — no blood pressure measurement, blood draws, or IV access on the affected extremity
• Observe vital signs, intake/output, and general patient condition; promptly report patient-stated symptoms (e.g., sweating, shakiness, confusion, increased shortness of breath, swelling, or noticeable weight gain) and any abnormal values to the RN without delay
• Perform purposeful hourly rounding to anticipate and respond to patient needs, ensuring comfort, safety, and timely call light response
• Document patient care, vital signs, intake/output, and observations accurately in the electronic health record
• Practice infection control protocols including Standard Precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE); maintain clean and safe patient care areas
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary care team and contribute to a positive, patient-centered unit culture
• Adhere to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, HUH Code of Ethics, HIPAA, and all institutional policies; maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff

Benefits

• health
• disability
• vacation
• sick leave
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester

What This Job Offers

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