PATIENT CARE TECH -

Department: PACU - CCT | FTE: 0.90 | Shift: Days

About the role

Provide direct, non-invasive, and routine patient care and related support services within an in-patient or out-patient environment. Assist with patient interviews, vital signs, activities of daily living (ADLs), supply and equipment maintenance, patient transport, and orientation of new staff members. Support patients with prescribed exercise regimens, routine tube care, catheter bag changes, non-sterile specimen collection, oral suctioning, and intake/output documentation, including bowel and bladder function. Operate patient lifts, record daily heights and weights, and ensure adherence to hospital and departmental policies. Patient care may include Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, and Geriatric age groups.

Responsibilities

• Observe patients to ensure safety and well-being; report observations to the Charge Nurse or appropriate designee.
• Provide basic patient care, including taking and recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, height, blood pressure) and intake-output measurements.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs): meals, ambulation, hygiene, linen changes, and toileting as instructed.
• Maintain therapeutic plan of care for patients at extreme risk to self or others.
• Complete documentation as required in the Electronic Medical Record.
• Perform specific skills listed in the "University of New Mexico, Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Specific Functions" Matrix.
• Enhance professional growth through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-services, meetings, and workshops.
• Follow and proactively improve patient safety-related policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Identify and report or correct environmental conditions that may pose risks to patients.
• Report patient safety concerns, medical errors, or near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their care by asking questions and reporting concerns.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Certificate as a CNA, Certified EMT-B, or completion of 1 semester in an accredited nursing program.
• CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuers certification within 30 days of hire.
• 6 months of patient care experience (preferred).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo (preferred).

Physical Conditions

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical demands exceed those for Medium Work.

Working conditions involve significant hazards, including exposure to chemicals and biohazardous materials, requiring personal protective equipment (PPE). Limited access to medication rooms and adherence to the Medication Administration Policy. Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and as required thereafter.