PCT, Foster Wing, 36hr, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Leominster, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician performs patient-care activities and assists members of the healthcare team. The position receives workplace education and training to support patient care. The posting describes Patient Care Technician I and II responsibilities and qualifications; the position title is listed as PCT, Foster Wing, 36 hours, days, in Progressive Care. The technician communicates patient observations and changes to the RN, observes high-risk patients as assigned, and helps maintain a safe environment. The role supports patients with daily living activities and assists with moving, lifting, positioning, and transporting patients using appropriate safety techniques and body mechanics. Patient Care Technician II duties also include patient safety checks, recording vital signs and measurements, performing EKGs and point-of-care tests, bladder scanning, specimen handling, selected unit procedures, assisting with treatments, documenting intake and output, and other unit-specific care activities. The position works indoors in a patient-care environment. It involves frequent standing and walking, frequent bending, and potentially pushing heavy equipment. The technician must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and have the dexterity, hearing, and vision needed to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient conditions.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
Current Basic Life Support certification; the Patient Care Technician I description specifies obtaining BLS within 30 days as a condition of employment, while the Patient Care Technician II description requires current BLS. Certification must be from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association where specified.
For Patient Care Technician II: demonstrated competency at the Patient Care Technician I level, at least 800 hours worked, and at least six months as a PCA I.
For Patient Care Technician II: prior inpatient or outpatient care experience, or clinical care training.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Basic computer skills for Patient Care Technician I; computer skills for Patient Care Technician II.
Basic medical terminology knowledge for Patient Care Technician I; medical terminology for Patient Care Technician II.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
For Patient Care Technician II: strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative relationships, and provide exceptional patient service.
For Patient Care Technician II: proven problem-solving abilities for routine situations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and meet the described physical demands of the role.

Responsibilities

Communicate clearly and promptly 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 as directed and in accordance with training and education.
Assist patients with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, ambulation, meals, and nourishment.
Move, lift, position, and transport patients using proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
Perform patient safety checks, use fall-prevention devices or strategies as directed, and follow restraint-policy 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 according to hospital standards; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to the lab.
Perform phlebotomy in certain locations.
Perform selected unit-specific procedures, including checking equipment, cleaning equipment between patients, and storing supplies appropriately.
Assist an RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patients and equipment, helping position patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward; use sterile technique when indicated.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; set up tube-feeding solutions and refill bags as directed; empty and record output from approved sources; and perform ostomy care for established ostomate patients as directed.
Respond sensitively to patients’ needs and build positive rapport and relationships.
Communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, family, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment and request assistance from identified resources when additional direction is needed.
Keep current with hospital and unit changes by reviewing communications and responding to UMMHC emails regularly.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when qualified.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings and educational events; use quality-improvement practices; follow health and safety requirements; uphold standards of respect and professionalism; maintain reliable attendance; and perform other related duties as directed.