Patient Care Tech ED

Emergency Department Patient Care Assistant

Functions as a member of the patient-centered care team to provide direct patient care activities in the emergency department under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or medical providers to patients with acute non-acute and / or rapidly changing conditions and needs. Assists nursing and medical staff with procedures and / or tests and patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Performs specific care activities such as specimen collection, phlebotomy, intravenous (IV) catheter insertion, electrocardiography (EKG), and documentation in the health record. Incumbents in this position may perform all or a combination of the duties described depending upon the assigned work area and the specific needs of the patients and the department.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality and safety standards, and SPIRIT Values. Complies with governmental regulations and accreditation standards.
• Provides direct patient care activities under the supervision of the nursing or medical staff and according to department / hospital policy. Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal hygiene; performs eye and ear irrigation; provides nourishments; applies ace bandages / wraps, splints, and knee or other limb immobilization devices; and fits patients for crutches and walkers.
• Collects specimens (e.g. blood, urine, sputum, stool); performs venipuncture / phlebotomy; obtains EKGs; and inserts intravenous (IV) catheters, changes of IV sites and dressings, and inspection of IV sites; applies oxygen equipment (e.g. nasal cannula and non-rebreather mask).
• Assists in the measurement and documentation of patient's vital signs, height and weight, pulse oximetry, point of care and waived testing (i.e. finger sticks for glucose monitoring / Accucheck, urine dipstick, hemoccult), visual acuity, and other pertinent data or information in the patient's health record.
• Performs routine sterile non-sterile (e.g. application of thermal soaks) and other treatments / activities identified by department / hospital policy inclusive of but not limited to : Foley Catheter insertion and removal; Nasogastric tube insertion and removal; simple dressing changes and wound care; turning and positioning; postmortem care and transportation of body to the morgue; maintenance of drainage tubes with / without pump or suction; care of oxygen equipment; and assistance with the application maintenance and removal of traction casts, splints, and exercise equipment.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy, and confidentiality and dignity of each patient in the delivery of services. Performs patient observation duty including 1 : 1 observation and safe application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations and procedures.
• Rounds on patients based on established standards. Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients / families including changes in the patient's condition / symptoms to the registered nurse and other care team members as necessary. Ensures complete hand off to oncoming shift and obtains full hand off from outgoing shift. Initiates and assists in CPR when indicated.
• Participates in patient / family teaching (e.g. proper use of crutches and walkers) as directed and responds to questions from patients, families, and visitors in a prompt, courteous, and respectful manner referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.
• Maintains the cleanliness and safety of patient rooms / bays / environment by distributing and changing linen, removing used meal trays, checking bed / stretcher siderails and safety restraints, etc. Assists with environmental services support such as linen management, trash removal, and cleaning as needed.
• Maintains orderliness of the utility storage, nourishment, and nursing station areas at the end of each shift.
• Transports and / or escorts patients during discharges, transfers, and / or medical appointments. Completes errands such as delivering specimens to the laboratory, equipment and supplies, etc. as required.
• Receives and stocks equipment and supplies and maintains orderly supply and utility rooms. Restocks supplies in patient rooms / bays.
• Attends staff meetings, ongoing educational offerings, and participate in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
• Assumes other duties as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

Experience

Licenses and Certifications

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

This position has a hiring range of USD $19.55 - USD $34.25 / Hr.