Patient Care Technician - Maternity Unit (Harrisburg Hospital)

Patient Care Technician

Title and starting pay rate of this position may vary based on years of experience. Responsibilities include providing patient care, assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living, and assisting with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies. The role also requires performing UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities including blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections, and Foley care, as well as at least four of the following BU identified tasks : phlebotomy, 12 lead EKG, simple dressing, Foley catheter removal, point of care testing, bladder scan, straight catheter, or IV catheter removal.

The Patient Care Technician constructively receives feedback and direction, identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director, and takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance. They provide instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN, apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol, and demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.

The role strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information, complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions, suggests and supports changes within the department, and assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges. The Patient Care Technician must routinely perform and be fully competent with the UPMC nursing core assistant responsibilities 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, hospital-acquired condition & patient safety indicator. In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections, and ticket to ride (intra-hospital patient transportation).

The Patient Care Technician assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department, contributes to the universal unit activities including responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients. They identify and communicate learning needs to the unit director or direct leader, request assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed, and demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions. They care for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace, document in the medical record according to established procedures, and have access to medications limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.

In addition to the required standard competencies, the Patient Care Technician will achieve and maintain competency and / or perform at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need : phlebotomy / venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrythmia, 12-lead EKG, and NG tubes clamping and removal. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, must have either 1 year of general healthcare experience, OR 6 months of experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant / CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire / transfer / promotion for those with less than 1 year of experience, OR enrollment in PT / OT / PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR completion of a bachelors degree in a health sciences field. Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class and eRecord training is required. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program is preferred. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances include CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire, ACLS preferred, Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal, Act 33 with renewal, Act 34 with renewal, and Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal. UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran.