Patient Care Technician Level 7

WVU Medicine

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician assists with the provision of patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The technician performs duties in a responsible, professional manner consistent with nursing care standards, hospital policies and procedures, and state regulations governing nursing practice. The role supports the established patient care plan and provides assistance with patient safety, mobility, comfort, routine treatments, hygiene, nutrition, specimen collection, and daily unit operations. The technician observes and reports patient needs and changes in status to nursing staff, documents care in the medical record, and communicates with patients, families, and hospital personnel. Work is performed in close contact with others and may involve irregular hours, biohazards, infectious diseases, deceased patients, water, and electrical hazards associated with patient care equipment.

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 admission, transfer, discharge, and transportation.
Support patient safety, including assisting with mobility, raising side rails as indicated, applying restraints under a registered nurse’s direction, and implementing fall protocols under a registered nurse’s 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 patient care and treatments as instructed by the nurse, including bathing and other hygiene, catheter care, 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 techniques and maintain Body Substance Isolation practices during patient care.
Gather information about patient status and age-specific needs and report it to the nurse.
Provide appropriate care based on patients’ age-specific needs and support their quality of life.
Distribute snacks and supplements, maintain fluid restrictions, and assist patients with meals and supplements as needed.
Keep the nurse informed about department activities and problems.
Establish and maintain good rapport with hospital personnel, patients, and families.
Explain tasks to patients 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 patient observations, requests, and unusual 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.