Patient Care Technician Critical Care

WVU Medicine•Weirton, WV

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Assists with the provision of patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Performs duties in a responsible, professional manner consistent with nursing-care standards, hospital policies and procedures, and current state regulations governing nursing practice. The position is in the Nursing ICU at Weirton Medical Center and is scheduled for 36 hours per week on a varied shift. The technician follows the established plan of care and assists with patient admissions, transfers, discharges, transportation, safety, comfort, treatments, specimen collection, and routine unit duties. The role includes observing and reporting patient status, documenting care in the medical record, communicating with patients, families, nurses, and hospital personnel, and following applicable safety, infection-control, and nursing policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff and patients.
Ability to adapt to changing environments.
Ability to meet the physical demands of heavy/hard work, including lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing, and walking.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of a nurse assistant or patient care technician training program.
Completion of a hospital-based Patient Care Technician program within 30 days of hire.
Current nursing student.
Six months of patient care technician experience.

Responsibilities

Follow the established plan of patient care.
Assist with patient admissions, transfers, discharges, and transportation.
Implement patient safety measures, including assisting with mobility, raising side rails as indicated, applying restraints under registered nurse direction, and implementing fall protocols under registered nurse direction.
Collect and record vital signs as instructed by the nurse.
Provide measures to meet patients’ comfort needs.
Collect and prepare specimens according to policy and procedure.
Provide instructed care and treatments, including bathing and other hygiene and perioperative or post-mortem care, catheter care, hot or cold compresses, intake and output, ambulation, turning and positioning, assistive devices, traction setup and application, 12-lead EKGs, and oral suctioning with a Yankauer catheter.
Perform routine shift duties, including distributing fresh water, disposing of soiled linen, maintaining a clean and orderly unit, and stocking supplies.
Use clean and sterile technique and maintain Body Substance Isolation during patient care.
Gather information about patient status and age-specific needs, report it to the nurse, and provide appropriate care that supports patients’ quality of life.
Perform food and nutrition duties, including distributing snacks and supplements, maintaining fluid restrictions, and assisting patients with meals and supplements as needed.
Keep the nurse informed about department activities and problems.
Maintain good rapport with hospital personnel, patients, and families; explain tasks and provide emotional support to patients and families.
Attend and actively participate in at least three staff meetings annually.
Respond promptly to patient signal lights and notify the nurse of patient problems.
Immediately report observations, requests, and unusual patient signs or symptoms to the charge nurse or team leader.
Support and follow hospital and nursing policies and procedures.
Institute emergency measures calmly and effectively.
Report safety or risk-management problems to the charge nurse or appropriate hospital personnel.
Document performed technical skills and observations in the medical record.
Assist with the preceptorship program when required.