Patient Care Tech-Float Pool Full-time Nights

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values and supports the Professional Registered Nurse with direct and indirect patient care. The technician is a member of the unit staff and works under the direction and supervision of a professional Registered Nurse. The role follows organizational policies, procedures, ethical standards, and applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Requirements

CNA certification, or current enrollment in a School of Nursing with successful completion of basic clinical rotations.
American Heart Association CPR recognition (BLS for Healthcare Providers).
At least 90% correct on annual mandatory Health and Safety Training quizzes.
Unit-based recognition for Capillary Blood Glucose Monitoring.
High school diploma.

Nice To Haves

One year of college or nursing education, or equivalent experience.
Previous experience in a health care setting and demonstrated ability to relate to patients, families, nursing staff, and medical staff.
Associate or bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.
Measure and record vital signs, height, weight, and intake and output.
Apply cardiac monitoring and oximetry equipment, obtain EKGs, and perform assigned newborn hearing screenings.
Obtain capillary blood glucose measurements and perform phlebotomy.
Collect urine, stool, blood, and sputum specimens.
Apply fetal monitoring equipment to pregnant patients and discontinue heplocks and Foley catheters.
Administer enemas and assist with patient care procedures as directed.
Make patient rounds, anticipate needs, respond promptly to call lights, and observe newborns in the nursery.
Provide meals, nourishment, drinking water, feeding assistance, morning and evening care, bed baths, peri-care, and newborn care.
Make beds, ambulate patients, and provide instruction on walker, cane, and crutch use when appropriate.
Assist with pre- and post-operative care, position patients, apply safety equipment, and lift and turn patients using proper body mechanics and available resources.
Apply comfort and safety measures, including side rails and call lights.
Set up oxygen, suction, and other respiratory equipment.
Apply dressings to Stage I and Stage II skin breakdown.
Prepare patient rooms for assessments and procedures and assist with normal newborn nursery procedures.
Transport patients, equipment, and supplies, including during urgent or emergent situations and patient discharge.
Respond to emergencies, secure assistance, and initiate basic life support.
Report observations, document appropriately, and promptly notify the RN of changes in patient condition.
Perform post-mortem care and transport bodies to the morgue when necessary.
Safeguard patients’ prosthetic devices and personal items, including hearing aids, dentures, and eyeglasses.
Maintain a safe and clean environment, including cleaning and organizing assigned equipment, rooms, linen, and utility areas.
Perform duties delegated by the RN to support patient care and efficient unit operations.
Collect and inventory patient belongings during admission, transfer, and discharge.
Complete charges with appropriate documentation, order and stock supplies, and ensure rooms are ready for incoming patients.
Check designated equipment for proper functioning and count instruments and sterile trays as appropriate for the unit.
Set up and break down delivery tables and participate in staff meetings, quality improvement activities, and quality-control checks.
Participate in the orientation of new staff and use established communication channels to resolve work-related problems.
Use equipment, supplies, and other resources cost-effectively; follow the Patient’s First philosophy and meet mandatory requirements.
Carry out shift-based tasks and activities as delegated by the RN.