Patient Care Technician — Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) | Night Shift

Howard University Hospital • Washington, DC

21h • Onsite

About The Position

As a Patient Care Technician in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Howard University Hospital, you will provide direct, hands-on care to critically ill surgical and trauma patients who require advanced monitoring and life-sustaining interventions. Working under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or other licensed health care professional, you will perform clinical tasks authorized by the DC Board of Nursing, support patient hygiene and mobility, assist with complex care delivery, and serve as a vital member of a high-acuity intensive care team. If you are a DC-certified Patient Care Technician with the skills and composure to thrive in a fast-paced critical care environment, this is your opportunity to grow at one of the nation’s most storied academic medical centers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Current, active certification as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity team environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to multi-task under pressure

Nice To Haves

• Six (6) months or more of prior PCT experience in an acute care hospital setting
• Experience in a critical care, step-down, progressive care, or post-surgical unit
• Comfort working in a high-acuity environment alongside monitoring equipment, lines, and tubes; understanding of infection prevention practices for critically ill patients (e.g., oral care, catheter site care)

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical tasks authorized by the DC Board of Nursing for Patient Care Technicians, under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or licensed health care professional — including peripheral IV insertion and discontinuation, administering electrocardiograms (EKGs), phlebotomy and specimen collection, fingerstick blood glucose testing, urinary catheter insertion and discontinuation, oxygen equipment monitoring, pulse oximetry, incentive spirometry, application of elastic stockings and sequential compression devices, and elimination procedures
• Assist RNs with bathing, turning, repositioning, mobility, skin care, and pressure injury prevention for critically ill patients; remain attentive to lines, tubes, drains, and monitoring equipment during patient care to avoid disruption
• Observe and promptly report changes in vital signs, intake/output, and patient condition to the RN; alert the team to abnormal values without delay
• Perform purposeful hourly rounding to anticipate and respond to patient needs, ensuring comfort, safety, and timely response
• Document patient care, vital signs, intake/output, and observations accurately in the electronic health record
• Practice strict infection control protocols including Standard Precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE); maintain clean and safe patient care areas in a high-acuity environment
• Support unit operations by transporting specimens, procuring equipment, and assisting with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary critical care team and contribute to a positive, patient-centered unit culture
• Adhere to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, HUH Code of Ethics, HIPAA, and all institutional policies; maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff

Benefits

• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED