Patient Care Technician - 6N Med Surg - Full Time - Forbes Hospital

About the Role

This position provides direct care to patients and assists with non-direct patient care unit coordination. The incumbent performs basic nursing procedures related to care and comfort of patients in stable condition, assists the RN in the care of acutely ill patients, and maintains knowledge of patient population needs in the assigned work area. Responsibilities include practicing medical asepsis, respecting patient dignity and privacy, adhering to hospital policies, and responding appropriately during emergency situations. The role also involves maintaining the patient/family environment, performing general unit upkeep, and using accurate verbal and written communication to document patient care in the electronic medical record.

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Registered Nurse for patients in stable condition and under direct supervision for the care of acutely ill and/or complex patients. Work assignments are received from the Charge Nurse and/or Care Team Leader and require efficient time management to complete within scheduled timeframes. In addition to clinical responsibilities, the role includes coordinating activities on the inpatient unit, such as patient admissions, discharges, and transfers.

Responsibilities

• Provides, obtains, or performs and documents direct patient care and activities, including:
  • Activities of daily living
  • Skin surveys, vital signs, ambulation, and specimen collection
  • Intake and output, meal consumption, height and weight
  • Blood glucose testing/monitoring and point-of-care testing
  • Bladder scanning and transporting patients and their medical records
  • Documentation of oxygen administration, early mobilization, and ambulation protocols
  • Assistance with exams, treatments, and procedures
• Participates in quality and patient satisfaction initiatives, such as:
  • Bedside shift report
  • Purposeful hourly rounding to promote safety (e.g., falls prevention, hand washing, isolation protocols)
  • Maintaining a clean and orderly environment
• Accurately documents vital signs, weights, intake and output, restraints, specimen collection, and all other treatments. Reports changes in patient’s physical, mental, and emotional conditions, as well as any issues or concerns identified, to nursing staff.
• Participates in unit activities, including stocking supplies and cleaning, checking, and retrieving equipment/appliances.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED
• Limited or no experience required
• Must be able to attend 2 weeks of training
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to perform basic mathematics
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Acute care experience within the last 3 years
• Currently enrolled in an ASN or BSN program
• Preference given to those enrolled in Associates or Bachelor’s degree Nursing programs who have completed at least one clinical rotation

This job adheres to ethical and legal standards, including compliance with HIPAA and data security guidelines. Employees must protect covered information, cardholder data, and other confidential customer information at all times.