Patient Care Technician (Full-Time) – 8 South (Neurology)

UPMC Hamot is looking for a part-time Patient Care Technician to join the team on 8 South Neurology! If you’re passionate about patient care and looking for a career that offers great benefits and plenty of room for growth, we invite you to explore this opportunity today!

8 South is a 20-bed unit who cares for adult and geriatric neurological or neurosurgical patients. Within the 20 beds are 9 beds capable of accommodating intermediate care patients and 2 beds capable of accommodating epilepsy monitoring patients (EMU).

The unit provides service to patients with neurological conditions that include cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs), seizures, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), multiple sclerosis (MS), and other neurological disorders.

The unit also provides for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, which include craniotomies, back surgeries, spinal cord stimulators, deep brain stimulators, cranial nerve decompressions, and aneurysm coilings / clippings.

Previous experience in direct patient care required

Title and salary will be determined based upon education and experience.

Responsibilities :

• Perform the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care, successfully completed Basic arrhythmia class and perform at least 4 of the following hospital identified tasks : phlebotomy, 12 lead EKG, simple dressing, Foley catheter removal, point of care testing, bladder scan, straight catheter, IV catheter removal, femoral hemostasis, or IV insertion.
• Provides patient care including assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living.
• Assists with physical, respiratory and cardiopulmonary therapies. Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status.
• Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Establishes appropriate and effective communication with other departments.
• Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
• Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays and transporting patients.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions.
• Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Must routinely perform tasks including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients.

PLUS point of care testing (inc. blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application / reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs / SCDs).

In addition, must perform simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections, peripheral IV catheter removal, and indwelling Foley catheter removal, phlebotomy / venipuncture, and ticket to ride.

All standard competencies must be achieved.

• Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director.
• Takes action to improve knowledge, skills and performance. Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
• Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director. Participates in project and committee work.
• Suggests and supports changes within the department. Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges.
• Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
• Supports department-based projects and quality initiatives. Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions. Documents in the medical record according to established procedures.
• Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner. Transports cardiac monitored patients within the hospital setting.
• Completes department clerical functions as needed.
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies / behaviors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• In addition to the standard required competencies, the Patient Care Technician - Senior will achieve and maintain competency and / or perform at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need : basic arrythmia, complex wound care, 12-lead EKGs, and NG tubes clamping and removal.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must also have either) 1 Year of general healthcare experience, or 6 months of experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant / CNA with PCT competency achieved within days of hire / transfer / promotion or enrollment in PT / OT / PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation or completion of a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
• Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class.
• Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Microcomputer experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
• Act 34
• ACLS preferred.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran