PCT - Post Acute Brain Injury -7a-7p Th/Fr/Sat

Shepherd Center • Atlanta, GA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Shepherd Center is a renowned rehabilitation facility with five decades of experience, specializing in complex conditions like spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. It is recognized by U.S. News as one of the nation's top rehabilitation hospitals and is a designated Model Systems center for Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury. Shepherd Center is unique in having an on-site intensive care unit, enabling earlier intervention for the most complex patients. The organization fosters a culture of hope, humor, and hard work, offering career growth, strong coworker relationships, leadership support, and engaging activities. Spring Creek Residential, located in Decatur, is a specialized program within Shepherd Center focused on brain injury recovery. The Patient Care Technician (PCT) role is crucial in providing basic patient care, ensuring safety, privacy, dignity, and confidentiality. This position involves direct patient interaction, comfort measures, and collaboration with Registered Nurses (RNs) to monitor and report changes in patient condition and respond to emergencies. The PCT operates within a Shared Governance model, contributing to the unit's professional development and image, and adhering to standard precautions and isolation procedures.

Requirements

• Must have a valid GA Driver's License, be 25 years of age with an insurable driving record.
• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• No professional certifications required.
• Hospital or long-term care experience; or nursing school students with one (1) semester of clinical instruction, LPN, or equivalent experience.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to take exceptional care of patients by providing multi-skilled direct patient care as delegated by the RN.
• Highly motivated with a positive attitude.
• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
• Maintain congenial working relationships with RNs and others.
• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Nursing Assistant “CNA” certification.
• Previous experience with patients with SCI, TBI, and/or mental health preferred.
• One (1) year hospital or long-term care experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Provides personal direct care for patients in collaboration with the RN.
• Observes and effectively communicates changes in patient’s condition to the RN and responds appropriately to emergency situations.
• Utilizes a consistent, patient-focused care approach to meet patient needs and demonstrate initiatives to utilize a holistic approach to identify patient needs.
• Assists with the patient dining process by serving meals/feeding.
• Instructs patients in self-care and instrumental activities of daily living to provide skill practice including but not limited to bathing, dressing and daily grooming activities.
• Supports the plan of care by carrying out and recording specific nursing care procedures such as bowel program procedures, emptying catheter, measuring and recording intake and output, measuring with gain or loss, and providing emotional support and encouragement to all patients and families.
• Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given.
• Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems in a timely manner according to Center policy.
• Screens and interviews patients.
• Measures and documents vital signs.
• Monitors and supports patient progress.
• Prepares patients for tests, therapy, and other activities.
• Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patients.
• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained ad the selection of what adaptive device(s) to use.
• Serves as clinical preceptor for new staff/students or shadowing experience for prospective new employees.
• Practices positive and engaging professional behavior.
• Respects patient’s privacy and confidentiality with every interaction as per HIPAA regulations.
• Adheres to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).
• Establishes relationships with other PCTs on a daily basis in order to efficiently complete duties, providing consistent patient care.
• Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
• Ensures appropriate usage of supplies and proper charging.
• Manages linen, supplies, etc. appropriately.
• Participates in staff recruitment and new employee onboarding efforts, as applicable.
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
• Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.

What This Job Offers

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