Patient Care Technician Oncology

UPMC • Pittsburgh, PA

1d

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) works on a 28-bed medical and surgical oncology unit specializing in gynecological cancer treatments and surgical procedures. Patients may be admitted for chemotherapy, including chemo desensitization. The unit also cares for patients in negative-pressure and disability/bariatric rooms equipped with motorized lifts and uses telemetry monitors. Teamwork is central to the unit’s approach to patient care.

The PCT provides patient care, assists with procedures and activities of daily living, and assists with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies. The technician gives the RN feedback about patient care and reports changes in patient status. The role includes UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities and, at minimum, four additional tasks identified for the business unit. All required competencies must be achieved.

Candidates without prior PCT experience in a hospital-based setting must attend a mandatory seven-day training course held on weekdays during daylight hours in a structured classroom setting. The PCT role is a step in UPMC’s nursing support career ladder, with opportunities for continued growth and advancement. Title and salary are determined based on education and experience.

The schedule includes 7 a.m.–7 p.m. and 7 p.m.–7 a.m. shifts, with rotating holidays and weekends. Hours may change based on business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One of the following: one year of general healthcare experience; enrollment in a PT, OT, or PA program or related healthcare training program with at least one clinical rotation completed; or completion of a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR must meet AHA standards, including a didactic and skills demonstration component, within 30 days of hire.
• Act 33 clearance with renewal.
• Act 34 clearance with renewal.
• Act 73 FBI clearance.
• Advanced skills as required by unit need and patient population: phlebotomy, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, and Basic Arrhythmia Course completion for telemetry and ED units.
• Candidates without previous PCT experience in a hospital-based setting must complete the mandatory seven-day weekday, daylight-hours training course; attendance on all seven days is required.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of the UPMC Patient Care Technician class.
• EMT or Paramedic qualification, or enrollment in an EMT or Paramedic program.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care and assist with patient procedures and activities of daily living.
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
• Provide feedback to the RN regarding patient care and report changes in patient status.
• Perform core nursing assistant responsibilities, including blood glucose testing, weights, vital signs, intake and output, specimen collection, Foley care, and activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
• Perform telemetry monitor application and reapplication and help prevent HAC and PSI, including use of TEDs and SCDs.
• Perform at least four business-unit tasks from phlebotomy, 12-lead EKG, simple dressing, Foley catheter removal, point-of-care testing, bladder scan, straight catheterization, and IV catheter removal.
• As applicable, apply simple dressings, place and remove restraints, perform 12-lead EKGs and bladder scans, and collect specimens.
• Achieve all required competencies.
• Attend the mandatory seven-day training course if lacking prior PCT experience in a hospital-based setting.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 per academic year at an accredited institution, available to employees and their dependents; the amount varies by job title and status.
• An incomparable Total Rewards package.
• Opportunities for continued growth and advancement in UPMC’s nursing support career ladder.

What This Job Offers

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