Patient Care Technician I- Inpatient, 6 East, 24 Hour, Nights

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hiring Range: $18.92 - $26.96. Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

Schedule

• Scheduled Hours: 11p-7:30a (Night Shift, 8 Hours)
• Hours: 24 per week
• Weekends: Every Other Weekend
• Holidays: Every Other Holiday

About the Role

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver – regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other.

Under the direction of the appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities. Receives workplace education and training to assist members of the healthcare team in the care of patients.

Responsibilities

• Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients (e.g., changes in skin condition, vital signs, and/or mental status).
• Provides constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment, utilizing interventions to de-escalate patients and, if unsuccessful, participates in restraints in accordance with training and education as directed.
• Assists patient with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals, and nourishment.
• Assists in moving, lifting, positioning, and transporting patients by utilizing proper safety techniques and body mechanics in all work-related activities.
• Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, utilizing fall prevention devices/strategies as directed, and following the Restraint Policy standards when caring for a restrained patient.
• Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry).
• Measures and records patients’ weights and heights.
• Performs EKGs, Point of Care (POC) tests, and bladder scanning.
• Collects, labels, and prepares specimens for transport to the lab.
• Performs other selected unit-specific procedures, such as battery changes for telemetry units, checking status of unit equipment, cleaning equipment between patients, and proper storage of supplies.
• Assists RN/Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing the patient, obtaining equipment and supplies, helping to position the patient, providing emotional support, and cleaning up equipment and supplies afterward.
• Observes, measures, and records oral food and fluid intake. Refills tube feeding bags as directed.
• Empties and records output from a variety of sources (e.g., Foley catheter, ostomy appliances, and drainage systems).
• Performs ostomy care on established ostomate patients as directed.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ needs, acting as a source of information and building positive rapport and relationships.
• Provides respectful, culturally and age-appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors, and others.
• Replenishes patient and unit supplies and equipment as needed.
• Requests assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
• Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards, bulletin boards, posted notices, and responding to UMMHC emails regularly.
• Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Attends a variety of meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed.
• Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
• Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
• Respects diverse views and approaches, contributes to a professional, tolerant, and civil environment.
• Maintains regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school education or GED.
• Basic Life Support certification within 30 days as a condition of employment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.
• Basic computer skills.
• Basic Medical Terminology knowledge.
• Must be able to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
• Unless certification, licensure, or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed indoors in a patient care environment.
• Requires hand dexterity, hearing, and vision ability to take direction from a patient or provider, adjust equipment, observe, and describe patient observations.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work is of heavy demand, involving standing and walking most of the time, with the possibility of pushing heavy equipment and bending frequently.