Patient Care Technician- 4 East Acute Care

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician provides routine patient care and supports department services in accordance with established policies and procedures, as directed by a nurse or physician, to help maintain high-quality patient care. The role requires performing UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities—including blood glucose checks, weights, vital signs, intake and output, specimen collections, and Foley care—and at least four hospital-identified tasks, such as phlebotomy, 12-lead EKGs, simple dressings, Foley catheter removal, point-of-care testing, bladder scans, straight catheterization, or IV catheter removal. The technician assists with patient procedures and activities of daily living, supports physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies, and communicates patient-care feedback and changes in status to the RN. The role also includes patient and family instruction under RN direction, documentation, department clerical work, and participation in unit activities. The technician follows patient-care, safety, and confidentiality policies, communicates effectively with the healthcare team, and contributes to department projects and quality initiatives.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
If lacking previous hospital or pre-hospital training, successful completion of the UPMC patient care technician class, the EIC training program, or the first year of clinical work in a nursing program.
Successful completion of basic information system training.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
CPR required within 30 days of hire, based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

Microcomputer experience preferred.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic credential, or current enrollment in an EMT or Paramedic program, preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care, including assisting with procedures and activities of daily living.
Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
Provide feedback to the RN regarding patient care and report changes in patient status.
Perform UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities: blood glucose checks, weights, vital signs, intake and output, specimen collections, and Foley care.
Perform at least four hospital-identified tasks: phlebotomy, 12-lead EKG, simple dressing, Foley catheter removal, point-of-care testing, bladder scan, straight catheterization, or IV catheter removal.
Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department and communicate effectively with other departments.
Contribute to unit activities, including responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
Receive feedback and direction constructively; identify learning needs, improve skills and performance, request help with planning and prioritization as needed, and participate in self-review when requested.
Provide instruction to patients and families under the direction of the RN.
Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as permitted by physician or hospital protocol.
Communicate clearly and effectively with members of the healthcare team and demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions.
Support workplace safety and maintain productive professional relationships through accountability, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.
Follow policies and procedures related to patient care and hospital information, including safety policies and standard precautions.
Suggest and support departmental changes, take responsibility for assignments, and support department projects and quality initiatives.
Document in the medical record according to established procedures.
Perform assigned work in a timely and productive manner and complete department clerical functions as needed.