PCT I/II 32 hours per week, evenings, 8-hr shifts Geriatric Medical Psychiatric Unit

UMass Memorial Health•Clinton, MA

12d•$15 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician works under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician and follows unit-specific standards to provide patient care that meets patients’ personal needs and comfort while assisting the healthcare team. The role serves patients, nurses, physicians, and other colleagues as an integral member of the patient care team. A PCT II must meet the full competencies outlined by Nursing Professional Practice. The posting also includes the PCT I profile, which describes receiving workplace education and training to assist the healthcare team in patient care. This position is in a geriatric medical psychiatric unit and is scheduled for 32 hours per week on the evening shift, with 8-hour shifts from 1500 to 2330. The schedule includes every other weekend and every other holiday. The listed hiring range is $15.00–$24.49 based on a 40-hour schedule; compensation for part-time or reduced schedules is prorated and varies with scheduled hours, experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. A signing bonus may be available, with eligibility confirmed during the interview process. The work is indoors in a patient care environment. It involves standing and walking most of the time, frequent bending, possible pushing of heavy equipment, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Hand dexterity, hearing, and vision are needed to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient conditions.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
Current Basic Life Support certification for the PCT I/II requirements. The PCT I profile states that BLS certification must be obtained within 30 days as a condition of employment.
For the PCT II level, demonstrated competency attainment at the PCT I level and at least 800 hours and 6 months of work as a PCT I, or 6 months of prior direct patient care experience in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly and concisely in English.
Medical terminology knowledge; the PCT II requirements specify Medical Terminology, while the PCT I profile specifies basic knowledge.
Computer skills; the PCT I profile specifies basic computer skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative working relationships, and provide exceptional service to patients.
Proven problem-solving ability in routine situations.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Ability to take direction from patients or providers, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient observations using hand dexterity, hearing, and vision.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; work involves standing and walking most of the time, frequent bending, and possible pushing of heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

Communicate observations and patient changes clearly and promptly to the RN, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, or mental status.
Provide constant observation of high-risk patients when 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 policy.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, 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 strategies as directed, and follow restraint policy standards when caring for restrained patients.
Take and record vital signs, and measure and record patient height and weight.
Perform EKGs, point-of-care tests, and bladder scans; collect, label, and prepare specimens for laboratory transport.
Perform unit-specific procedures, such as changing telemetry batteries, checking equipment, cleaning equipment between patients, and properly storing supplies.
Assist an RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing and positioning patients, obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, using sterile technique when indicated, offering emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; set up full-strength tube-feeding solutions and refill feeding bags as directed; empty and record output from approved sources; and perform ostomy care for established ostomate patients as directed.
Respond sensitively to patient needs, provide information, and build positive rapport and relationships.
Communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, families, visitors, and others.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Request assistance from designated resources when additional direction is needed.
Keep current with hospital and unit changes by reviewing posted communications and regularly reading and responding to UMMHC emails.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when able.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings and educational events; use quality improvement in daily work; and comply with health and safety requirements.
Support a professional, respectful, inclusive, and civil environment; maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance; and perform other similar duties as required or directed.