Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician - 8A Neuro ICU

Are you a healthcare professional interested in a career that provides plenty of opportunity for growth and development? If you’re passionate about patient care and looking for a career that offers great benefits and plenty of room for growth, we invite you to explore this opportunity today!

UPMC Mercy is looking for a full-time Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician to support its 8A Neuro ICU! Those with previous healthcare experience are strongly preferred.

Title and starting pay rate of this position may vary based on years of experience. Those without patient care experience may be brought in at the Nursing Assistant title/salary.

ICU8 is an 18 bed critical care unit dedicated to the comprehensive care of patients with acute and critical Neurological conditions. Recognizing the complexity and sensitivity of neurologic disorders, our ICU is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by a multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, intensivists, nurses with specialized training in neurological care, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, and clinical pharmacists. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a holistic and collaborative strategy in managing complex neurological cases. Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of neurological illnesses, our team is committed to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for both patients and their families. Regular communication, education, and involvement in the decision-making process are integral components of our patient-centered approach. We work closely with other departments and healthcare providers to ensure a seamless continuum of care. Collaboration with rehabilitation services, outpatient clinics, and community resources is prioritized to support patients in their journey to recovery beyond the ICU. ICU8 stands as a beacon of hope and healing for those facing critical neurological challenges, delivering world-class care with compassion and dedication.

The Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician provides routine patient care and supports the department services in accordance with established policies and procedures, and may be directed by the nurse or physician to assure that the highest degree of quality patient care can be maintained at all times. Must routinely perform the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients. PLUS point of care testing (inc. blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs), clean catch/mini catheter urine collection. In addition, Patient Care Technicians can apply simple dressings, 12 lead EKG, bladder scan, all specimen collections. All competencies must be achieved.

Candidates without previous PCT experience in a hospital-based setting will be required to attend a 3-day mandatory training course. This course is held during weekdays and daylight hours. All 3 days are mandatory and are scheduled in a structured classroom setting. 

Responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient care as directed by the RN including all activities of daily living such as but not limited to bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting and ambulating patients. 
• Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to, completing safety checks, keeping the department and patient rooms clean and organized, cleaning department specific equipment, changing bed linens, emptying linen hampers, keeping hallways clear of equipment and returning equipment. 
• Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, performing messenger functions, ordering, charging/crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the nursing assistant position and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas. 
• Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers and distributes patient mail. 
• Performs the UPMC nursing core responsibilities for nursing assistants: blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care. Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status. May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints per physician or hospital protocol.
• 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.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
• Demonstrates 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.
• 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.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. 
• Establishes appropriate and effective communication strategies.
• 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.
• Provides diversional activities to reduce or prevent use of restraints. 
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures.
• Completes clerical functions as needed by department.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understands policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure. 
• Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital related information.
• Responds within the scope of the nursing assistant role to emergent situations. 
• Provide companionship/supervision one in one with patients as required.

• Performs the UPMC nursing core responsibilities for nursing assistants: ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients. PLUS point of care testing (inc. blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) & patient safety indicator prevention, urine specimen collection, restraint placement and removal, and ticket to ride (intra-hospital transportation).