Patient Care Technician I - Rapid Transfer Unit - West Penn Hospital - Full Time Rotational

Allegheny Health Network

The Rapid Transfer Unit (RTU) is a specialized area of variable acuity designed to quickly evaluate and triage patients with acute medical conditions. The primary goal of the RTU is to expedite patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment decisions, leading to more efficient patient flow and improved outcomes. Nurses will be required to have ACLS and NIHSS certifications before coming off of orientation. Nurses will be cross trained to work on Med / Obs / Tele.

RTU employs a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive, yet expedited, assessments of patients presenting with acute or sub-acute conditions. The unit utilizes standardized protocols and point-of-care testing to facilitate rapid diagnosis and triage, ensuring patients receive the appropriate level of care in a timely manner.

RTU is a vital component of the healthcare system, focusing on the rapid evaluation of patients to improve outcomes. By quickly assessing patients and initiating timely treatment, the team aims to reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and enhance overall patient well-being.

RTU provides a streamlined process for evaluating patients with a wide spectrum of medical conditions. The unit's focus is on prompt assessment and efficient decision-making to determine the appropriate course of treatment and level of care required.

RTU is a dedicated healthcare space designed to quickly evaluate patients presenting with a variety of medical concerns. The goal is to expedite assessment, diagnosis, and treatment decisions, reducing wait times and improving patient flow throughout the facility.

This job provides direct care to patients and assists with non-direct patient care unit coordination. The incumbent in this position is expected to perform basic nursing procedures related to care and comfort of patients in stable condition, and have knowledge of patient population needs in the assigned work area. In addition, the incumbent is expected to assist the RN in the care of acutely ill patients. They is expected to practice medical asepsis, respect the dignity and privacy with every patient and family, and to maintain objectivity during patient care. They are expected to know and adhere to all basic hospital policies and procedures, and respond appropriately during emergency situations. They is expected to maintain the patient / family environment and perform general unit upkeep. They is expected to use accurate verbal and written communication, and to document patient care appropriately in the electronic medical record. The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Registered Nurse for patients in stable condition. Will work under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse in the care of the acutely ill and / or complex patient. The incumbent receives specific work assignments from the Charge Nurse and / or Care Team Leader which are both written & verbal and is expected to demonstrate evidence of efficient time management by completing the work within the scheduled time. In addition to clinical responsibilities, the incumbent is expected to perform a variety of duties related to the coordination of activities on the inpatient unit. This includes activities related to patient admissions, discharges, and transfers.

Essential responsibilities include :

• Providing, obtaining or performing and documenting direct patient care and activities such as : activities of daily living, skin survey, vital signs, ambulation, specimen collection, intake and output, meal consumption, height and weight, blood glucose testing / monitoring, point of care testing, bladder scanning, transporting of patients and their medical record, documentation of O2, early mobilization and ambulation protocols, assistance with exam, treatments and procedures.
• Participating in quality and patient satisfaction initiatives which may include bedside shift report, purposeful hourly rounding promoting safety such as falls prevention, hand washing, isolation protocols and maintaining a clean and orderly environment.
• Accurately documenting vital signs, weights, I&O, restraints, specimen collection, and all other treatments. Report changes in patient's physical, mental and emotional conditions, as well as any issues or concerns identified to nursing staff.
• Participating in unit activity such as supply stocking and equipment / appliance cleaning, checks and retrieval.
• Performing other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications include :

This role is a full time rotational with 36 hours per week and 3 x 12 hours rotational shift. You will need to be flexible to work a rotational schedule which includes evening, overnight, and weekend coverage.