Patient Care Technician, Nursing Student - 7E Neurology

UPMC•Altoona, PA

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, compassionate care and supporting the smooth operation of the department. The role gives nursing students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a clinical environment, gain exposure to diverse patient needs, and develop essential nursing skills that support their education and future RN practice. Candidates are placed into the appropriate job title and salary grade based on experience and education. The position requires working 12 hours during each six-week scheduling period while school is in session and 36 hours during each six-week scheduling period while school is not in session. Candidates must be able to commit year-round. Advanced skills may be performed depending on the department and completion of competency training.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Enrollment in a nursing program.
Meet at least 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 orally and in writing.
CPR required based on 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 scheduling requirements: 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.

Nice To Haves

At least one inpatient clinical rotation in the nursing program is preferred.
Microcomputer experience preferred.
ACLS preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform activities of daily living, including bathing, feeding, toileting, transporting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
Complete nursing support tasks such as taking vital signs and weights, recording intake and output, performing point-of-care testing including blood glucose, applying or reapplying telemetry, using TEDs/SCDs for HAC/PSI prevention, performing simple dressings, collecting specimens, bladder scanning, applying or removing restraints per protocol, and following 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 advanced skills when trained and depending on department needs, including phlebotomy/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 in prioritizing tasks and identify learning opportunities.
Respond to call lights and telephones and assist with general 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, work efficiently and professionally, meet system-wide competencies, and complete other assigned tasks.