BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse, the Patient Care Technician (PCT) assists the professional staff by performing a variety of paraprofessional and technical functions which contribute to the safety, care and comfort of patients and their families. Provides direct and indirect patient care, technical skills, and procedures, performs routine clerical duties and participates in maintaining the environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Some healthcare terminology and coursework preferred.
• Prior healthcare experience highly preferred.
• Certification: BLS preferred.

GUIDING BEHAVIORS:

• Communication: Listen to understand, before seeking to be understood.
• Collaboration: Deliver outstanding service ensuring that safety comes first.
• Compassion: Serve every person with empathy, dignity, and compassion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Should be able to push/pull, lift/move 35 lb., be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to be stationary at a workstation for a prolonged period time in addition to being able to squat or be mobile for a reasonable length of time and distance. Communication requirements include the ability to comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to communicate and read the English language.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

Safety:

• Provides appropriate assistance and periodic observation to prevent falls.
• Immediately reports unsafe conditions.
• Adheres to policies and procedures regarding restraints.
• Performs equipment checks as assigned. Removes broken equipment immediately and reports equipment malfunction in a timely manner.
• Sets and/or verifies equipment alarms (Bed, Posey chair, monitor) and alarm volume as directed by RN.
• Provides Constant Observation or Periodic Awareness as directed by RN.
• Participates in hourly rounding
  • turning and positioning
  • safety checks
  • no clutter
  • items in reach
  • toileting
• Responds to patient call lights promptly.
• Adheres to infection control, safety, fire and disaster policies and procedures.

Patient Care:

• Provides care within his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Assists/completes daily bed baths and chlorhexidine baths per protocol.
• Assists patients with showers.
• Provides perineal care for all patients and increased frequency for incontinence patients
• Provides mouth, skin, hair, and nail care.
• Shaves patients with electric razor as directed by RN
• Administers routine morning wake up and night pre-bed hygiene care to all assigned patients.
• Assists patients in the use of ADL devices.

Skin:

• Turns and positions patient at least every two hours during bed rest.
• Inspects skin for signs of redness, swelling, bruising, abrasions or breakdown and reports findings to RN.
• Utilizes appropriate pressure relieving devices under the direction of the RN.

Meals:

• Positions patients for meals.
• Delivers and sets up tray.
• Provides patient hygiene before and after meals.
• Feeds patients or assists with feeding as required.
• Provides fresh drinking water.
• Accurately records intake/output as ordered and records totals at end of shift.

Elimination Needs:

• Responds promptly to requests for assistance with urinal, bedpan or commode.
• Assists patient to bathroom as necessary.
• Correctly applies and cares for condom catheters
• Provides Foley catheter care.
• Empties urinary drainage bags.
• Validated Techs provides routine ostomy care
• Provides appropriate patient hygiene after toileting.
• Accurately measures and records: urine output + other output as directed.
• Accurately totals and documents output at end of shift.

Equipment Operation:

• Use of patient care equipment such as but not limited to sphygmomanometer, scales, pulse oximeter, Radiant Warmer, telemetry monitoring/equipment.
• Performs technical procedures such as but not limited to phlebotomy, EKG, urine and sputum specimen collection, and bedside glucose monitoring.
• Use of patient care transport equipment such as but not limited to, wheelchairs, Hoyer lift, Hover matt, Sit to Stand, Slide sheets, and stretchers.
• Operates pneumatic tube system.
• Use of dietary meal ordering system.
• Use of unit equipment - fax, phone, communication system and maintenance equipment.

• Monitor unit supplies to ensure availability.

Data:

• Obtains and records accurate vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure and report abnormal finding to RN (include RN Name in Documentation).
• Obtains and records accurate height and weight on admission, discharge and periodically as ordered.
• Places cardiac and respiratory monitoring leads as directed.
• Performs 12-lead EKG and obtains rhythm strips as directed.
• Performs bedside glucose monitoring in accordance with written policy and procedure and records and reports results.
• Applies pulse oximeter and monitors, records and
• Documents data in accordance with departmental policy and procedure.
• Reports observations to RN in a timely manner and follow escalation policy if warranted.
• Performs venipuncture (ED) to obtain blood specimens for laboratory analysis where applicable.
• Collects urine, stool and sputum specimens for analysis and culture as directed by RN.

Customer Service:

• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and sensitivity when interacting with patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Respects patient privacy, maintains confidentially and displays non-judgmental behavior.
• Recognizes potential patient/family relations problems and communicates them to the appropriate personnel.
• Participates in and utilizes appropriate intra and interdepartmental communication systems.
• Verbal communication is clear, concise, and relevant.
• Maintains open lines of communication with peers and other members of the health care team.
• Communicates patient/family needs to appropriate staff. And escalate if needed to next level of leadership including nursing supervisor.

Clerical Coverage:

• Answer phones with proper phone etiquette and communicate effectively with providers, families, and colleagues.
• Maintain all medical records on the unit.
• Receive non-controlled medications from the pharmacy, and secure in designated area. This includes frequently monitoring the pneumatic tube system for medication deliveries, retrieving those medications, and depositing them in the designated area or in the case of refrigerated medications delivering to the patient’s nurse.
• Coordinate all patient movement on and off the unit in collaboration with RN.
• Review and process Advanced Directive paperwork as indicated.

Ownership:

• PCT must adhere to dress code guidelines and wear appropriate color scrubs.
• Accepts constructive feedback from co-workers and supervisor and responds by changing behavior or performance if appropriate.
• Supports and accepts hospital policies, decisions, and changes.
• Willingly participates in unit activities/committees/staff meetings.
• Read department communication and updates on a timely basis.
• Completes all mandatory hospital and unit-based competencies/in-services within required time frames.

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range: Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.