Patient Care Specialist - New Graduate

Patient Care Specialist Opportunity at St. Mary's Medical Center

St. Mary's Medical Center is seeking patient care specialists. This position assists in providing patient care activities for which the employee has been prepared and in conformance with medical center policy and procedures, functioning under the supervision and guidance of a registered nurse.

Responsibilities include:

• Demonstrating ability to properly perform 12 lead EKG.
• Recognizing tracing and bringing abnormalities to the attention of the charge nurse.
• Collecting blood samples by venipuncture or skin puncture on patients.
• Cleaning equipment with approved solution per the MIFU.
• Reporting maintenance concerns or faulty equipment per facility policy.
• Accurately and timely entering documentation in the electronic medical record or database.
• Assisting in providing direct, safe, effective patient care to meet physical, spiritual, and psychological needs of patients ranging in age from neonate to geriatrics.
• Measuring and recording vital signs and bringing abnormalities to attention.
• Monitoring and documenting intake and output and bringing abnormalities to attention.
• Assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene and grooming.
• Supporting patient nutrition, including meal assistance and feeding as appropriate.
• Providing basic skin care monitoring and reporting changes in skin condition.
• Providing basic respiratory support as directed (e.g., oxygen setup).
• Assisting with clinical procedures within scope of training and as delegated.
• Providing indirect patient care activities as assigned by the individual unit.
• Observing and reporting pertinent information to the patient care nurse/charge nurse.
• Documenting thoroughly and accurately describing the progress of the patient.
• Providing appropriate explanations within scope of training, to patients prior to performing procedures.
• Communicating in an appropriate manner with patient and family.
• Utilizing interpersonal techniques which facilitate a productive relationship while working with colleagues and personnel.
• Continuing to increase job knowledge by attending in-service programs.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Performing other duties as required or assigned.
• Reporting on the job as scheduled.
• Following all standard safety precautions.
• Following the standards of conduct and policies and procedures of St. Mary's Medical Center and applicable laws and regulations and reporting violations through the appropriate chain of command.
• Annually completing required competency assessments.
• Utilizing appropriate measures to promote and maintain patient safety.
• Making decisions which include using the age of the patients treated when appropriate.
• Demonstrating knowledge of operation to include but not limited to the required unit specific equipment/procedures.
• Demonstrating knowledge of on-going unit specific performance improvement activities.

Education requirements include a high school diploma/GED. Successful completion of a multi-skilled technician program which includes EKG, phlebotomy, and direct patient care is preferred.

Experience with EKG and phlebotomy training with patient experience in a clinical setting is preferred.

Certifications/skills include Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT) certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). Certification must be valid and current. OR valid and current certifications in all of the following: EKG, phlebotomy, and certification in patient care such as Nurse Aide or Clinical Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA). Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required and must be maintained.