Patient Care Technician Geriatric Psych

Allina Health System•Fridley, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician, the Patient Care Technician provides basic direct and indirect patient care in a geriatric psychiatric setting. The role includes collecting and documenting vital signs and other health-status information, answering call lights, assisting patients with activities of daily living and transfers, and performing clerical duties. The position is a .9 FTE (72 hours per two-week pay period), with 12-hour day/night shifts and an every-third-weekend rotation. The technician supports patient comfort, safety, mobility, hygiene, and care coordination; follows established procedures and documentation workflows; and reports changes or abnormal observations to the RN. The role may also include patient registration, order processing, appointment scheduling, supply management, and handling hazardous waste as assigned.

Requirements

Meet one age requirement: be at least 18 years old, or be 17 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
Meet at least one patient-care preparation requirement: complete one semester of clinical rotations in an accredited nursing program; successfully complete a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program; complete the Allina Health Nursing Assistant Academy Program; hold NREMT certification upon hire; or have previous direct patient care experience.
Meet at least one BLS requirement: current BLS certification from the American Heart Association, current BLS certification from the American Red Cross, or Allina in-house BLS training within 30 days of hire.
Ability to perform medium physical work, lifting up to 32 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds frequently, in accordance with the Allina Safe Patient Moving Policy.

Responsibilities

Observe, collect, and document patient health-status data and measurements, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, weight, and intake and output.
Immediately report observations or health-status data outside normal limits or significant changes to the Registered Nurse.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, and eating, under Registered Nurse direction.
Perform assigned personal care and interventions, and document according to applicable guidelines.
Assist patients, families, and visitors with wayfinding throughout the unit and facility.
Assist with patient transfers, movement, rooming, ambulation, positioning, and range of motion according to activity orders and patient needs.
Answer patient call lights promptly for assigned and other patients.
Support grooming, hygiene, skin integrity, personal comfort, and population-specific patient needs.
Complete admission, discharge, and transfer functions according to system workflow.
Distribute and set up water, snacks, and patient trays, and assist patients as needed.
Perform clerical duties, assist with patient registration, and process physician orders accurately and promptly.
Document relevant patient information and care to support accurate billing.
Transport medication from the unit tube system to a secure location in accordance with facility standards.
Clarify, communicate, prioritize, and transcribe written orders according to the Electronic Medical Record workflow.
Order, validate, and store supplies and patient education materials as needed.
Print Release of Information packets for discharge when needed; review and explain authorization forms and obtain signatures when applicable.
Schedule procedures and appointments as needed.
Help maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors, and employees; use proper equipment and body mechanics during transfers, lifts, and transports.
Report environmental risks or equipment malfunctions to a supervisor and use equipment according to policies, procedures, and manufacturer directions.
Participate in quality-improvement activities to evaluate and improve patient care.
Handle hazardous waste when required, including identifying, segregating, and disposing of it; maintaining container integrity; and knowing emergency response procedures for spills, fires, and evacuations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage
PTO/time away
Retirement savings plans
Life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Voluntary benefits, including vision, legal, and critical illness coverage
Tuition reimbursement or continuing medical education, as applicable
Student loan support
Resources for navigating the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Well-being dollars, well-being navigators, programs, activities, personal coaching, and other well-being resources