PCT I/II 32 hours per week, evenings, 8-hr shifts Geriatric Medical Psychiatric Unit

UMass Memorial Health•Clinton, MA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician I/II provides patient care under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician and in accordance with unit-specific standards. The role supports patients’ personal needs and comfort and assists the healthcare team. The position is on a geriatric medical psychiatric unit, scheduled for 32 hours per week on evening shifts of eight hours. The schedule includes every other weekend and every other holiday. PCT II caregivers must meet the full competencies outlined by Nursing Professional Practice. The position serves patients and other internal and external customers, including nurses, physicians, and colleagues involved in delivering care and services. PCT I caregivers receive workplace education and training to assist the healthcare team in patient care. The work is indoors in a patient-care environment. It involves frequent standing and walking, frequent bending, and possible pushing of heavy equipment. The caregiver must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and use hand dexterity, hearing, and vision to follow directions, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient conditions.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
For PCT II: current Basic Life Support certification.
For PCT II: 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 PCT I: obtain Basic Life Support certification within 30 days as a condition of employment.
Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly and concisely in English.
Computer skills; basic computer skills are specified for PCT I.
Medical terminology; basic medical terminology knowledge is specified for PCT I.
Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative working relationships, and provide exceptional patient service (PCT II).
Problem-solving ability for routine situations (PCT II).
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and meet the physical demands of the patient-care environment.

Responsibilities

Communicate timely and clearly with the RN about patient observations and changes, 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 when needed in accordance with training, direction, and policy.
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 or devices, 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 assigned unit-specific tasks, including checking equipment, changing telemetry batteries where applicable, cleaning equipment between patients, and storing supplies properly.
Assist an 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.
Measure and record oral food and fluid intake; set up full-strength tube-feeding solutions and refill feeding bags as directed; empty and record approved outputs; and perform directed ostomy care for established ostomates.
Respond sensitively to patient needs and build positive rapport and relationships.
Communicate respectfully with patients, staff, families, and visitors in a culturally and age-appropriate manner.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Request help from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Stay informed about hospital and unit changes by reviewing communications and responding to UMMHC emails.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when appropriate (PCT II role).
Follow departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings and educational events; apply quality-improvement practices; and comply with health and safety requirements.
Contribute to a professional, respectful, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment; maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance; and perform other similar duties as directed.