Patient Care Technician (PCT)-Acute Care

About the role

As a Patient Care Technician, working under supervision of the Registered Nurse, you will perform a variety of tasks and services to assist in the provision of care and comfort for patients. You will provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, report and record observations, and contribute to the efficient functioning of the unit. All duties are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred. One of the following is required:

• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) (required for TCU), or
• Enrollment in a RN nursing school with one (1) semester of clinicals completed, or
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience performing the essential responsibilities of the nursing assistant role.

Licensure/Certification/Registry

• Certified in CPR or completes certification during Nursing Team Onboarding.

Responsibilities

Performs and documents nursing care measures to meet the physical needs of patients as directed by the registered nurse. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Hygiene and Comfort:
  • Provides hygiene and comfort measures, assuring privacy and preventing undue exposure.
  • Provides or assists patient with bathing, oral hygiene, hair care, nail care, shaving, etc.
  • Assures that linens are dry, wrinkle-free, and that the patient is comfortable.
  • Provides handwashing opportunity before and after meals, toileting, etc.
• Activity:
  • Assists with patient’s activities including ambulation, chair, dangling, and repositioning; uses proper body mechanics, positioning techniques, and assistive devices.
• Nutrition:
  • Serves and collects food trays and nourishments.
  • Records percentage of diet intake.
  • Feeds or assists patients as necessary and records intake.
  • Reports deviations from normal.
  • Clears IV and Tube Feeding Pumps at the end of each shift and documents appropriately.
• Elimination:
  • Provides bed pan/urinal.
  • Performs perineal care.
  • Performs bladder catheter care and discontinues bladder catheter as directed.
  • Performs ostomy care (ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy) including application of appropriate appliances.
  • Records output and reports deviations from normal.
  • Performs Bladder Scanning.
• Other Related Needs:
  • Assists with post-mortem care.
  • Assists with admission, transfer, and discharge of patients.
  • Promptly responds to patient call light or requests (usually in less than ten minutes).
• Monitoring Procedures:
  • Performs and documents monitoring procedures; observes and reports the patient response.
  • Obtains vital signs (B/P and TPR).
  • Obtains weight in kg (standing, chair, or bed scale) and reports deviation from previous weight.
  • Empties drainage collection devices.
  • Performs blood glucose monitoring.
  • Observes and reports unusual conditions and/or change in patient behavior or appearance.
• Therapeutic Measures/Procedures:
  • Performs therapeutic measures/procedures, observes, and reports changes or deviations from normal.
  • Application of heat (i.e., K-pad) and cold (i.e., ice bags, sponge baths).
  • Therapeutic baths (i.e., Sitz, Aveeno).
  • Obtains routine non-sterile specimens.
  • Assists with patient preparation for surgical, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic procedures.
  • Applies nonsterile dressing as directed.
  • Discontinues peripheral IV as directed.
  • Performs oral pharyngeal suctioning.
  • Preps skin and applies telemetry patches.
  • Records all interventions; observes and reports the patient response, changes, and/or deviations from normal parameters.
• Safety and Security:
  • Maintains safety and security of patient/family/self/others, observing safety precautions and promoting a sense of security and well-being.
  • Conducts purposeful hourly rounding as a team member.
  • Follows standard precautions and always washes hands between patients.
  • Reports equipment malfunctions.
  • Assists in keeping patient rooms/corridors free of clutter and cleans fluid spills.
  • Uses proper body mechanics in moving, transferring, and transporting patients.
  • Positions side rails appropriate to the patient’s condition.
  • Applies and maintains restraining devices as directed.
• Patient/Visitor Interaction:
  • Interacts with patients/visitors/others in a courteous and respectful manner.
  • Fully explains procedures to patients/families prior to performing.
  • Assures patient privacy/rights/confidentiality.
  • Recognizes and reports patient concerns; offers constructive solutions.
• Unit/Hospital Functioning:
  • Promotes efficient and effective functioning of the unit/hospital.
  • Completes assigned aspects of unit inventory management.
  • Complies with established policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines.
  • Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
  • Supports efforts to reduce costs.
  • Consistently utilizes time and resources effectively and efficiently.
  • Maintains cleanliness of unit, service area, and equipment.
  • Cooperates with all members of the healthcare team.
  • Enthusiastically supports and participates in planned changes.
  • Accepts responsibility for accurate and timely completion of tasks as assigned.
  • Adheres to MHS Behavioral Standards.
• Performs additional unit-specific tasks/care elements for which they have received specific instruction and demonstrated competence.
• Performs other related work as required or requested.

Pay

USD $16.77/Hr. – Max USD $25.99/Hr.