Full-Time Nursing Assistant / Patient Care Technician - CT Transplant (9D)

Join UPMC Presbyterian's Cardiology Team!

UPMC Presbyterian is hiring a Full-Time Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Technician to join their team in the CT Transplant unit 9D! As a Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Technician, you'll deliver vital patient care and assist with departmental services according to established policies and procedures. Under the guidance of nurses or physicians, you'll maintain high standards of patient care.

Nursing Support roles require working rotating shifts, including daytime, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts. Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians will also be expected to work 12-hour shifts, with the possibility of a mix of 8-hour and 12-hour shifts.

All hired candidates are required to complete a mandatory training course, with full attendance expected for the entire duration.

About UPMC Presbyterian 9D:

9D is a specialized cardiothoracic transplant unit currently consisting of 15 beds and expanding to a 28-bed unit in the new Kamin Tower. We care for patients recovering from heart and lung transplantation, as well as patients receiving ventricular assist device (VAD) support as either a bridge to transplant or destination therapy. Our patient population also includes thoracic surgery patients, and we will soon expand services to include pre- and post-operative cardiothoracic surgery patients, including those undergoing CABG and TAVR procedures.

As we grow, our commitment to maintaining specialty, acuity-based step-down staffing ratios remains unchanged, ensuring both exceptional patient care and a supportive nursing practice environment.

At 9D, we pride ourselves on fostering a highly collaborative culture where staff work alongside and in tandem with the multidisciplinary team. Together, we deliver comprehensive, patient- and family-centered care to individuals undergoing some of the most advanced cardiac and pulmonary therapies available.

Responsibilities:

• Direct Patient Care: Assist with daily living activities such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, and ambulating patients under RN supervision. Perform point-of-care testing including vital signs, blood glucose, weights, urine specimen collection, restraint placement & removal, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs), and Foley care.
• Environmental Maintenance: Ensure a safe and clean environment by performing safety checks, organizing patient rooms, and managing equipment. Changing bed linens, ensuring the hallways are clear of equipment/returning equipment, and keeping the unit tidy.
• Supplies & Equipment Management: Acquire, distribute, and manage supplies and equipment. Handle ordering, stocking, and setup of patient care items.
• Communication & Collaboration: Provide feedback to RN, communicate effectively with healthcare team members, and maintain professional relationships. Contribute to unit activities, such as responding to call lights and transporting patients.
• Documentation & Compliance: Document patient information accurately and complete clerical tasks. Adhere to safety policies, standard precautions, and procedures for bloodborne pathogens. Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers, and distributes patient mail.
• Continuous Improvement: Receive and act on feedback, identify learning needs, and participate in self-review. Suggest and support departmental changes and improvements. Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital-related information.
• Emergency Response & Companionship: Respond to emergent situations as needed and provide one-on-one supervision and companionship to patients.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with the job.

Educational/Knowledge Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must also have either:
  • 1 year of experience
  • Enrollment in PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
• Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class or 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/Certification:

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

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran