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

UMass Memorial Health•Clinton, MA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician and follows unit-specific standards to provide patient care that meets patients’ personal needs and comfort. The PCT also assists other members of the healthcare team and serves patients, nurses, physicians, and colleagues. PCT II caregivers must meet the full competencies outlined by Nursing Professional Practice. The posting describes the PCT I and PCT II roles on a geriatric medical psychiatric unit. This position is scheduled for 32 hours per week on night shift, with 8-hour shifts. The schedule includes every other weekend and one major summer and one major winter holiday. Work takes place indoors in a patient-care environment and involves heavy physical activity, including standing and walking most of the time.

Requirements

Minimum high school education or GED.
Current Basic Life Support certification for the PCT II role; PCT I requires certification within 30 days of employment.
For PCT II: demonstrated competency at the PCT I level and 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 service to patients.
Problem-solving ability for routine situations.
Ability to remain calm under stress and in emergency situations.
Ability to work indoors in a patient-care environment; use hand dexterity, hearing, and vision to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient conditions.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform work involving frequent standing and walking, possible pushing of heavy equipment, and frequent bending.

Responsibilities

Communicate clearly and promptly with the RN about patient observations and changes, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, and mental status.
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 when needed in accordance with training and direction.
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 directed fall-prevention strategies, and follow restraint policy standards when caring for restrained patients.
Measure and record vital signs, height, and weight.
Perform EKGs, point-of-care tests, and bladder scans; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to the lab.
Perform selected unit-specific procedures, such as changing telemetry batteries, checking equipment, cleaning equipment between patients, and storing supplies properly.
Assist an RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patients, obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, helping position patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; refill tube-feeding bags as directed; empty and record approved output; and perform directed ostomy care on established ostomate patients.
Respond sensitively to patient needs, provide information, and build positive rapport and relationships.
Communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, family members, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Request help from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Stay current with hospital and unit changes by reviewing communications and responding to UMMHC emails.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when applicable to the PCT II role.
Follow departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings and seminars; apply quality improvement practices; and comply with health and safety requirements.
Promote respect, professionalism, tolerance, civility, and acceptance; maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance; and perform other related duties as directed.