Patient Care Technician (Casual) - Emergency Department

UPMC•Altoona, PA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Casual Patient Care Technician – Emergency Department Flexible scheduling, hands‑on clinical skills, and an ideal role for students pursuing healthcare careers If you're enrolled in a healthcare‑related program and eager to gain real‑world experience in a fast‑paced clinical setting, this opportunity is designed for you. As a Casual Patient Care Technician in our Emergency Department, you’ll build essential clinical skills, work alongside experienced nurses and providers, and enjoy a schedule that adapts to your academic commitments. This role offers a meaningful way to strengthen your résumé while contributing to a team that values learning, teamwork, and high‑quality patient care. Candidate will be placed into the appropriate job title (Patient Care Technician or Nursing Assistant) based on experience and/or education.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must also have either: a) 1 Year of general healthcare experience, OR b) 6 months of experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion for those with less than 1 year of experience, OR c) enrollment in PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR d) completion of a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class.
Successful completion of eRecord training.
Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
Act 33 with renewal
Act 34 with renewal
Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Nice To Haves

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.
ACLS preferred

Responsibilities

Assist with patient procedures and activities of daily living, including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, repositioning, and transporting patients.
Provide patient and family instruction under the direction of the RN.
Apply, monitor, and remove restraints per protocol; support alternatives to reduce restraint use.
Observe and report changes in patient condition to the RN promptly.
Perform core nursing assistant responsibilities: vital signs, weights, intake and output, blood glucose testing, specimen collection, Foley care, and telemetry monitor application/reapplication.
Complete point‑of‑care testing and support hospital‑acquired condition and patient safety indicator prevention practices.
Perform at least four BU‑identified clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, 12‑lead EKG, simple dressings, Foley catheter removal, bladder scanning, straight catheterization, or IV catheter removal.
Maintain competency in at least one advanced skill based on department need: phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley removal, basic arrhythmia recognition, 12‑lead EKG, or NG tube clamping/removal.
Assist with patient flow, room preparation, and intra‑hospital transport (“ticket to ride”).
Respond to call lights, answer telephones, pass meal trays, and support general unit operations.
Complete clerical tasks as needed to support departmental efficiency.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment through safety checks, equipment cleaning, and supply stocking.
Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
Communicate clearly and respectfully with all members of the healthcare team.
Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, workplace safety, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions.
Build productive working relationships through accountability, motivation, and a commitment to patient‑centered care.
Document patient care and observations accurately in the medical record.
Adhere strictly to all hospital policies, including confidentiality, standard precautions, and safety procedures.
Handle medications only to the extent of delivering them to the nurse.
Receive and apply constructive feedback.
Identify learning needs and communicate them to leadership.
Seek assistance with planning and prioritizing tasks when needed.
Participate in self‑review and ongoing skill development.
Support departmental projects, quality initiatives, and process improvements.