ACUTE CARE TECH at Forrest General Hospital – Picayune, Mississippi

Job Summary:

The Acute Care Technician works closely with RNs/LPNs, operating under their direct supervision, and undertakes delegated responsibilities aimed at delivering high-quality patient care. They actively participate in the implementation phase of the nursing process and are organizationally accountable to the Patient Care Coordinator. This role entails possessing the requisite knowledge and skills to provide technical care tailored to the age of the patients served. Additionally, they demonstrate proficiency in understanding the principles of growth and development, collecting and communicating pertinent patient data to the nursing team, and interpreting essential information necessary to address each patient's age-specific needs while adhering to departmental policies and procedures.

Performance Expectations:

Consistently plans patient care collaboratively with other disciplines to align with individualized patient goals and needs.

Effectively accesses and utilizes the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for delivering patient care.

Applies knowledge of age-specific patient requirements, catering to both pediatric and adult needs, when performing job duties and responsibilities.

Possesses the requisite knowledge and skills to safely and appropriately execute job-specific tasks related to safety, security, emergency preparedness, hazardous material control, life safety, and utility systems as detailed in the hospital's environment of care plan.

Executes patient interventions with competence, including providing baths and/or bathing assistance, peri-care, vital signs assessment, reporting of abnormal values, providing Foley catheter care, managing rectal tubes, colostomies, ileostomies, assisting patients with activities of daily living, including emptying rectal tubes, colostomies, ileostomies, and feeding patients while assisting with meals.

Ensures that patient rooms and surrounding areas are clean and maintained in accordance with hospital standards, promoting a safe and hygienic environment.

Safely operates a variety of equipment, including but not limited to Automated Blood Pressure Machines, manual blood pressure monitors, glucometers, patient warmers, EMR systems, Automated Sequential Compression Devices (SCD’s), portable and wall suctions, patient beds, Purewick catheters, printers, fax machines, scanners, station monitors, Cisco IP phones, call light systems, label makers, and telemetry equipment, including changing out telemetry batteries and ensuring telemetry is on.

Following phlebotomy training, proficiently draws blood for laboratory testing.

Maintains the capability to provide one-on-one monitoring for suicide precautions and employs de-escalation techniques with non-confrontational interventions as needed

• Behaviors and interactions demonstrate a positive attitude, personal initiative, and motivation to achieve the department's goals.
• Champions the development and growth of safety culture.
• Participates in all competencies planned for the job role before deadlines.
• Complies with the departmental and facility policy.
• Follows the policies in the Employee Handbook.
• Uses “We Care” philosophy in daily communication
• Required appropriate use of the department’s communication app.
• The spreading of rumors and gossip creates unnecessary turmoil, weakens working relationships, and is contrary to the spirit of the hospital and is prohibited.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

Diploma/GED required. Must successfully complete clinical orientation.

Work Experience:

Prior experience working as a Nurse Aide/ tech preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

None

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Rhythm Strip Interpretation for Techs

Within 30 Days of Employment

Preferred

Mental Demands:

Ability to critically think and perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities and function under stress.