PCT, Med Surg Unit, 32hr, Nights

UMass Memorial Health•Leominster, MA

18h

About The Position

Under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician and in accordance with unit-specific standards, the Patient Care Technician provides patient care to meet patients’ personal needs and comfort and assists the healthcare team. The role serves patients, nurses, physicians, and other colleagues as an integral member of the patient care team. PCT II caregivers must meet the full competencies outlined by Nursing Professional Practice. The posting also describes PCT I responsibilities and qualifications, including workplace education and training to assist with patient care. This is a 32-hour-per-week position on the Med Surg Unit, scheduled from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. The schedule includes every other weekend and every other holiday. The stated hiring range is $15.00–$25.16 based on a 40-hour schedule; pay for reduced schedules is prorated and may vary based on scheduled hours, experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. A signing bonus may be available, with eligibility confirmed during the interview process. The position is performed indoors in a patient-care environment and involves substantial standing and walking, frequent bending, and possible pushing of heavy equipment. The caregiver must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and have the dexterity, hearing, and vision needed to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient conditions.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
For the PCT II role: current Basic Life Support certification.
For the PCT II role: demonstrated competency at the Patient Care Technician I level, at least 800 hours and six months of work as a PCT I, or six months of prior inpatient or outpatient direct patient care experience.
For the PCT I role: Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of employment as a condition of employment.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Medical terminology knowledge; the PCT I qualifications specify basic medical terminology knowledge.
Computer skills; the PCT I qualifications specify basic computer skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative working relationships, and provide exceptional service to patients.
Problem-solving ability for routine situations.
Ability to remain calm under stress or 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 observations; lift up to 50 pounds; stand and walk most of the time; and bend frequently and possibly push heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

Communicate observations and changes in patients’ conditions to the RN in a clear and timely manner, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, or 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 in accordance with training, direction, and policy when needed.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, ambulation, meals, and nourishment.
Move, lift, position, and transport patients using appropriate safety techniques and body mechanics.
Perform patient safety checks, use directed fall-prevention strategies, and follow restraint standards when caring for restrained patients.
Take and record vital signs, and measure and record patients’ height and weight.
Perform EKGs, point-of-care tests, and bladder scans; collect, label, and prepare specimens for laboratory transport.
Perform unit-specific tasks such as changing telemetry batteries, checking equipment, cleaning equipment between patients, and storing supplies properly.
Assist the RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing and positioning patients, obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, using sterile technique when indicated, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; set up full-strength tube-feeding solutions and refill feeding bags as directed; empty and record output from approved sources; and perform directed ostomy care for established ostomate patients.
Respond sensitively to patients’ needs, provide information, and build positive rapport and relationships.
Communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, families, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Request assistance from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Stay informed about hospital and unit changes through posted communications and regular review and response to UMMHC email.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when qualified.
Follow departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings and educational events; apply quality improvement in daily work; and comply with health and safety requirements.
Promote a professional, respectful, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment; maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance; and perform other similar duties as directed.