Patient Care Technician

Baystate Health • Springfield, MA

6d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) performs technical tasks and bedside functions, including direct patient care, hygiene, skin care, mobility assistance, and monitoring. Daily activities are coordinated by the Registered Nurse (RN). The PCT has multiple clinical skills to meet unit needs, including phlebotomy and EKGs, and manages equipment and performs or assists with unit procedures. Other similar and related duties may be assigned.

The role includes providing age-appropriate care; monitoring and documenting physiological parameters; performing treatments and procedures according to policy; assisting with elimination, specimen handling, and point-of-care testing; supporting ancillary services; communicating with patients and the care team; responding to emergencies; and contributing as a team member. The PCT maintains competencies and completes the clinical recognition program for the applicable career ladder level.

Requirements

• At least one year of patient care experience; experience may be in long-term care, specialty care, acute care, or another level of patient care.
• GED or HiSET.
• Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
• Certified Nurse Aide certification.
• Proficient in reading and writing in English.
• Able to maintain professional composure in medium- to high-stress situations.
• Effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide age-appropriate care and apply knowledge of developmental stages and concepts when implementing care.
• Monitor and document routine vital signs and ordered measurements, including weight, height, abdominal girth, and pediatric head circumference; promptly report significant deviations and changes in drainage patterns.
• Administer treatments and perform procedures according to applicable policies, procedures, and the nursing procedure manual; change dressings within the specified timeframe and provide post-mortem care as directed by the RN.
• Assist physicians with examinations and simple procedures, and verify patient identity before performing procedures.
• Assist patients with elimination, provide bedpans, urinals, and emesis basins upon request, label and send specimens within the specified timeframe, and measure and record intake and output.
• Administer ordered enemas or Harris Drips according to procedure.
• Perform Point of Care (POC) testing.
• Assist with ancillary services and prescribed treatment plans; monitor patients during treatment, report unexpected occurrences and observations to appropriate personnel, and document treatments and activities.
• Communicate respectfully and clearly with patients and the care team, including recognizing culturally based patient and family needs.
• Recognize and initiate emergency procedures, maintain patient safety, and communicate with appropriate personnel.
• Assist team members with clinical and non-clinical activities and provide feedback related to the team process.
• Complete and maintain competencies and the clinical recognition program for the applicable career ladder level.
• Perform phlebotomy and EKG duties and manage equipment as required by the unit.
• Perform other similar and related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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