Part-Time Patient Care Technician - Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (UPMC Presbyterian/7F)

Are you looking to establish a fulfilling, hands-on health care career while elevating the patient experience? As a Patient Care Technician with UPMC Presbyterian, you’ll make a meaningful difference by working with our team to provide high-quality patient care in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.

About The Unit

The UPMC Presbyterian EMU is a 10-bed unit primarily caring for patients admitted for diagnostic confirmation of seizure disorders.

• Patient Monitoring: Patients are admitted for continuous monitoring, equipped with video and EEG (electroencephalogram) equipment to capture brain activity and any seizures that occur. Nurses also manage patients post-placement of subdural grids and SEEGs.
• Seizure Observation: The primary goal is to induce seizures in a controlled environment, allowing doctors to observe the seizures as they happen, which helps in diagnosing the type and focus of the epilepsy.
• Multidisciplinary Team: The EMU includes neurologists, epileptologists, neuropsychologists, nurses, neurodiagnostic technicians, and other healthcare professionals who collaborate on patient care. Based on the monitoring results, personalized treatment plans are implemented, which may include medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or surgical options.

All hired candidates are required to complete a mandatory training course, with full attendance expected for the entire duration.

Responsibilities

• Deliver routine patient care and support services, following established policies and procedures.
• Under the direction of nurses and/or physicians, ensure high-quality patient care is maintained at all times.
• Assist with ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning, repositioning, and blood glucose monitoring).
• Take vital signs, perform simple dressings, 12-lead EKGs, bladder scans, and collect specimens.
• Report equipment malfunctions and communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
• Ensure patient and workplace safety, demonstrate professionalism, and maintain productive relationships.
• Provide patient care, support therapies, and assist with instruction under RN guidance.
• Adhere to all policies, safety standards, and document patient information appropriately.
• Complete tasks in a timely manner, including clerical functions as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Successful completion of UPMC Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, or EIC training program.
• Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Paramedic, or current enrollment in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required within 30 days of hire (based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component).
• Act 34 clearance required.

Skills

• Patient care
• ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
• Vital signs monitoring
• Patient safety
• Specimen collection
• Body mechanics and transfer techniques
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Bladder scans
• Seizure observation
• Documentation
• EKG
• Communication

Benefits

• Mentorship
• Career ladder opportunities (Nursing Assistant → Patient Care Technician → Senior/Specialist Patient Care Technician → Lead Patient Care Technician)
• Continuing education classes

Pay

The entry level hourly rate is $19.40. Job title and salary will be based upon qualifications and career ladder requirements.

Schedule

• Part-time, minimum commitment of 24 hours per week.
• Rotating shifts, including daytime, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• 12-hour shifts, with the possibility of a mix of 8-hour and 12-hour shifts.