Patient Care Tech-Float Pool Full-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

4d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician supports the Professional Registered Nurse with direct and indirect patient care activities as a member of the unit staff, under the nurse’s direction and supervision. The role adheres to Northwestern Memorial’s mission, vision, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.

The position provides patient care across assigned units, including adult and/or neonatal care, and carries out tasks delegated by the RN on a shift basis. It also supports the safe and efficient operation of the patient care unit through environmental upkeep, equipment and supply management, documentation, communication, and participation in quality improvement and staff activities.

Requirements

• CNA certification, or current enrollment in a School of Nursing with successful completion of basic clinical rotations.
• CPR recognition by the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Providers).
• At least 90% correct on annual mandatory Health and Safety Training quizzes.
• Unit-based recognition for Capillary Blood Glucose Monitoring.
• High school diploma.
• Ability to relate to patients, families, nursing staff, and medical staff, as demonstrated through previous health care setting experience (listed as preferred).

Nice To Haves

• One year of college or nursing education, or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in a health care setting and demonstrated ability to relate to patients, family, nursing, and medical staff.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient admission, transfer, and discharge.
• Measure and document vital signs, height, weight, intake, and output.
• Apply cardiac monitoring and oximetry equipment; obtain EKGs and capillary blood glucose readings; perform phlebotomy and collect specimens.
• Perform assigned infant security checks and newborn hearing screenings; apply fetal monitoring equipment to pregnant patients.
• Discontinue heplocks and Foley catheters and administer enemas.
• Make patient rounds, respond promptly to call lights, anticipate patient needs, and observe newborns in the nursery.
• Distribute water and nourishments; prepare patients for meals and assist with or provide feeding as appropriate, including feeding normal newborns when assigned.
• Provide morning, evening, and bed-bath care, peri-care, and newborn care as assigned.
• Make occupied and unoccupied beds; ambulate patients and provide instruction on the use of walkers, canes, and crutches as appropriate.
• Assist with pre- and post-operative care, patient positioning, safety equipment, and lifting and turning patients using safe body mechanics and available resources.
• Apply comfort and safety measures, including side rails and call lights.
• Set up oxygen, suction, and other respiratory equipment for adults and/or neonates.
• Apply dressings to Stage I and Stage II skin breakdown.
• Prepare patient rooms for assessments, evaluations, and diagnostic or therapeutic procedures; assist with procedures in the normal newborn nursery as directed.
• Transport patients, equipment, and supplies during urgent or emergent situations and transport patients to the front door upon discharge.
• Respond to emergencies, secure assistance, and initiate basic life support.
• Report observations, document appropriately, and promptly notify the RN of changes in patient condition.
• Perform post-mortem care and transport bodies to the morgue when necessary.
• Assume responsibility for patients’ prosthetic devices and personal items, including hearing aids, dentures, and eyeglasses.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment, including assigned cleaning, linen, refrigerator, and equipment duties.
• Perform duties delegated by the RN to facilitate patient care and efficient unit operations.
• Collect and inventory patient belongings during admission, transfer, and discharge.
• Complete charges using appropriate documentation; order and stock supplies; obtain equipment and supplies for patient care; and ensure rooms are ready for incoming patients.
• Check designated equipment for proper functioning and count instruments and sterile trays sent and received from SEP as appropriate for the assigned unit.
• Set up and break down the delivery table; stock and remove linen from patient rooms.
• Participate in staff meetings, quality improvement activities, daily/weekly/monthly QC activities, and orientation of new staff.
• Use equipment, supplies, and other resources cost-effectively.
• Use established communication channels to resolve work-related problems and consistently demonstrate the “Patient’s First” philosophy.
• Follow established policies, procedures, and standards of care; meet mandatory requirements; and perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• A wide range of benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection for unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

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