PCT, Flex Unit, 24hr, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Leominster, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician provides patient care and supports the healthcare team. The role is responsible for assisting with patients’ comfort and daily needs, communicating observations to the RN, maintaining patient safety, and carrying out unit-specific patient care procedures. The position requires work indoors in a patient care environment and involves substantial standing and walking, frequent bending, and occasional pushing of heavy equipment.

Requirements

High school education or GED.
Current Basic Life Support certification; the Patient Care Technician I description permits obtaining it within 30 days as a condition of employment.
Demonstrated competency at the Patient Care Technician I level, with at least 800 hours and six months of work as a PCA I.
Prior inpatient or outpatient care experience, or clinical care training.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Medical terminology knowledge.
Computer skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative relationships, and provide exceptional patient service.
Problem-solving ability for routine situations.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergencies.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing and walking most of the time, and bending frequently.

Responsibilities

Communicate timely observations and patient condition changes to the RN, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, and 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 devices or strategies as directed, and follow restraint policy 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 laboratory transport.
Perform phlebotomy in certain locations.
Carry out selected unit-specific procedures, such as changing telemetry batteries, checking and cleaning equipment, and storing supplies properly.
Assist an RN or Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patients, obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, helping position and support patients, using sterile technique when indicated, and cleaning up afterward.
Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; prepare tube-feeding solutions and refill bags as directed; record output from approved sources; and perform ostomy care for established ostomate patients as directed.
Respond sensitively to patients’ needs, build positive rapport, and communicate respectfully and appropriately with patients, staff, families, and visitors.
Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment, and request assistance when additional direction is needed.
Keep current with hospital and unit communications, including notices and UMMHC emails.
Precept new Patient Care Technicians when able.
Comply with departmental policies, attend required meetings or educational events, use quality improvement practices, follow health and safety requirements, maintain reliable attendance, and perform other related duties as directed.