PCT I/II 32 hours per week, nights, 8-hr shifts Geriatric Medical Psychiatric Unit

UMass Memorial Health•Clinton, MA

12d•$15 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician provides patient care under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician and according to unit-specific standards. The role supports patients’ personal needs and comfort and assists the healthcare team. The position is on a geriatric medical psychiatric unit, scheduled for 32 hours per week on night shifts of eight hours, with work every other weekend and one major summer and one major winter holiday. The listed hiring range is $15.00–$24.49 based on a 40-hour schedule; compensation for reduced schedules is prorated. A signing bonus may be available, with eligibility confirmed during the interview process. The Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities and receives workplace education and training. For the PCT II level, the caregiver must meet the full competencies outlined by Nursing Professional Practice. The role serves patients, nurses, physicians, and other colleagues as part of the patient care team.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
Current Basic Life Support certification for the PCT II requirements; for PCT I, Basic Life Support certification is required within 30 days of employment.
For PCT II: demonstrated competency at the Patient Care Technician I level, at least 800 hours and six months as a PCT I, or six months of prior inpatient or outpatient direct patient care experience.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Medical terminology knowledge; basic knowledge is listed for PCT I.
Computer skills; basic computer skills are listed for PCT I.
Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative relationships, and provide exceptional patient service (PCT II requirements).
Problem-solving ability for routine situations (PCT II requirements).
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Ability to perform work indoors in a patient care environment, with the dexterity, hearing, and vision needed to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient conditions.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; work involves standing and walking most of the time, frequent bending, and possible pushing of heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

Communicate observations and changes in patients, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, or mental status, to the RN in a clear and timely manner.
Provide constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
Help maintain a safe environment, use de-escalation interventions, and participate in restraints as directed and in accordance with training and policy.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, ambulation, meals, and nourishment.
Move, lift, position, and transport patients using proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
Perform patient safety checks, use fall-prevention devices or strategies as directed, and follow restraint policy standards when caring for restrained patients.
Take and record vital signs and measure and record patients’ height and weight.
Perform EKGs, Point of Care tests, and bladder scans; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to the laboratory.
Perform selected unit-specific procedures, including checking equipment, changing telemetry batteries where applicable, cleaning equipment between patients, and storing supplies properly.
Assist the RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patients and equipment, positioning patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up equipment and supplies afterward.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; refill tube-feeding bags as directed; empty and record output from approved sources; and perform ostomy care on established ostomate patients as directed.
Build positive rapport with patients and respond sensitively to their needs.
Communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, families, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Request assistance from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Keep current with hospital and unit changes by reviewing communications and responding to UMMHC emails regularly.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when applicable to the PCT II role.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, and attend meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed.
Apply quality improvement in daily operations and comply with health and safety regulations.
Contribute to a professional, respectful, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment; maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance; and perform other related duties as required or directed.