Patient Care Technician

Nursing Assistant Or Patient Care Technician Opportunity At UPMC Horizon Shenango Valley's 2 West Medical Surgical Unit

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are vital partners in the patient care provided at UPMC. They work on patient care units and perform a variety of important basic and advanced skills. They work closely and continuously with patients, partnering with nurses and other professionals, to make a big difference in how patients recover and experience their hospital stay.

Final candidates will be selected for a job title within the career ladder that reflects level of education, experience and manager discretion at time of offer.

Purpose: Provides routine patient care and supports the department services in accordance with established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the nurse or physician to assure that the highest degree of quality patient care can be maintained at all times. Completes advanced patient care duties after successfully completing training and annual competencies. Must routinely perform the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care) AND has the employee successfully completed basic arrhythmia class AND performs at least four 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.

Patient Care Technician Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Performs the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care) AND 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. 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.
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner. Completes department clerical functions as needed.
• Management of patients with CHF and Acute CVA. Knowledge regarding how to manage and care for CHF and Acute CVA type patients.

Nursing Assistant:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• If no previous hospital or pre-hospital training, successful completion of UPMC nursing assistant training program or Nursing Student that has completed one Clinical Rotation. Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.
• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.

Patient Care Technician:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must also have either
• 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 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.

Patient Care Technician- Nursing Student:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of health experience OR Enrollment in a nursing program with completion of at least 1 clinical rotation required.
• 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.

Patient Care Technician- Senior/Specialist:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must also have either
• 2 years of healthcare experience, OR
• 1 year of experience and enrollment in PT/OT/PA program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, or
• 1 year of experience and completion of a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
• Annual completion of a professional contribution to be determined after hire.
• Successful completion of patient care technician senior class
• Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Microcomputer experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Nursing Student that has completed one clinical rotation preferred Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or
• currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Successful completion of a basic arrhythmia course and annual competency required.
• May, in the course of their duties, be in rooms where medications are stored or may transport medications when they transport patients. Transportation of medication is limited from one department to another.

Patient Care Technician- Senior/Specialist- Nursing Student:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of healthcare experience OR 1 year of healthcare experience and enrollment in a nursing program with completion of at least one clinical rotation required.
• Successful completion of patient care technician specialist class (PCT- Specialist- NS Only)
• Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Microcomputer experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Nursing Student that has completed one clinical rotation preferred Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or
• currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Successful completion of a basic arrhythmia course and annual competency required.
• May, in the course of their duties, be in rooms where medications are stored or may transport medications when they transport patients. Transportation of medication is limited from one department to another.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: 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 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran