PCT II, Clinical Decision Unit, 24 Hours, Days

Patient Care Technician I

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.

Under the direction of the appropriate licensed clinician, and in keeping with unit specific standards, provides patient care to meet the personal needs and comfort of patients; and assists members of the healthcare team. In order to become a PCT II a caregiver must meet the full competencies outlined by the Nursing Professional Practice. As an integral member of the patient care team, serves both internal and external customers including patients, nurses, physicians and other colleagues who support the delivery of care and services.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients.
• Provides constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment.
• Assists patient with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals and nourishment.
• Assists in moving, lifting, positioning and transporting patients by utilizing proper safety techniques and body mechanics in all work-related activities.
• Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, utilizing fall prevention alternative devices/strategies as directed, and following the Restraint Policy standards when caring for a restrained patient.
• Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure and pulse oxymetry). Measures and records patients' height and weight.
• Performs EKG's, performs Point of Care (POC) tests and bladder scanning according to hospital standards. Collects, labels and prepares specimens for transport to lab.
• Performs other selected unit specific procedures such as battery changes for telemetry units, checking status of unit equipment, cleaning equipment between patients and proper storage of supplies.
• Assists RN/Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patient; obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, such as intravenous and hemodynamic lines, and utilize sterile technique when indicated. Help in positioning the patient and providing the patient with emotional support. Clean up equipment and supplies following the treatment and/or procedure.
• Observes, measures, records oral food and fluid intake. Sets up full strength tube feeding solutions and refills tube feeding bags as directed. Empties and records output, as approved, from a variety of sources, e.g., Foley catheter, ostomy appliances and drainage systems. Performs ostomy care on established ostomate patients as directed.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patients' needs by acting as a source of information and approaches all interactions with the intention of building positive rapport and relationships.
• Provides respectful, culturally and age-appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors and others.
• Replenishes patient and unit supplies and equipment.
• Requests assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
• Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards and/or books, bulletin boards, posted notices and reads and responds to UMMHC e mails on a regular basis.
• Has the ability to precept new Patient Care Technicians.

Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities:

• Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
• Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
• Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
• Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients, and visitors.
• Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Position Qualifications:

• License/Certification/Education: Required: Minimum of a high school education or GED. Basic Life Support certification within 30-days as a condition of employment.
• Experience/Skills: Required: Demonstrated competency attainment in the Patient Care Technician I level, work a minimum of 800 hours and at least 6 months as a PCT I. or 6 months of prior inpatient/outpatient direct patient care experience. Ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner. Basic computer skills. Basic Medical Terminology knowledge. Must be able to remain calm when under stress or in emergency situations.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions:

Position requires work indoors in a patient care environment. Hand dexterity, hearing and vision ability to take direction from a patient or provider, adjust equipment, observe and describe patient observations. Must be able to lift, up to 50 pounds. Work is of heavy demand, standing and walking most of the time with the possibility of pushing heavy equipment and bending frequently.