Patient Care Technician, NS

UPMC•Altoona, PA

16h

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician provides routine and advanced patient care under the direction of a nurse or physician, helping ensure high-quality care and supporting the department’s operations. The role is intended for nursing students to apply classroom learning in a clinical environment, gain experience with diverse patient needs, and develop essential nursing skills. Candidates are preferred to have completed at least one inpatient clinical rotation; job title and salary grade will be based on experience and education. The schedule requires 12 hours per six-week scheduling period while school is in session and 36 hours per six-week scheduling period while school is not in session. Candidates must be able to commit year-round. Advanced skills may be performed after competency training and vary by department.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Enrollment in a nursing program.
Meet one of the following experience or clinical requirements: one year of general healthcare experience; six months of experience as a UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire, transfer, or promotion; or completion of at least one nursing program clinical rotation.
Successful completion of the UPMC Patient Care Technician class upon hire.
Successful completion of basic information system training.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
CPR certification meeting AHA standards, including didactic and skills demonstration components, within 30 days of hire.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Act 34 clearance.
Commitment to the specified year-round schedule.

Nice To Haves

Completion of at least one inpatient clinical rotation in a nursing program.
Microcomputer experience.
ACLS.

Responsibilities

Provide routine and advanced patient care under the direction of a nurse or physician.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, feeding, toileting, transportation, ambulation, turning, and repositioning.
Perform nursing support tasks including vital signs, weights, intake and output, point-of-care testing including blood glucose, telemetry application or reapplication, HAC/PSI prevention measures, simple dressings, specimen collection, bladder scanning, restraint application or removal per protocol, and the “Ticket to Ride” transport safety process.
Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
Observe patient condition and report changes or concerns directly to the RN.
Perform department-dependent advanced skills after competency training, which may include phlebotomy or venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia monitoring, 12-lead ECG, and NG tube clamping and removal.
Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
Demonstrate cultural awareness and professionalism, and build working relationships through accountability, enthusiasm, and patient-centered care.
Provide instruction to patients and families as directed by the RN.
Participate in feedback discussions, self-review, and ongoing skill development; seek support with prioritization and identify learning opportunities.
Respond to call lights and telephones and assist with unit activities such as passing meal trays and transporting patients.
Report equipment issues promptly and follow hospital and safety policies, including infection control and standard precautions.
Document patient care accurately and promptly.
Support department projects, workflow improvements, and quality initiatives.
Assist with clerical tasks, perform duties efficiently and professionally, meet system-wide competencies, and complete other assigned tasks.