Patient Care Technician, Nursing Student (Casual) - T11 Trauma

Are you a current nursing student looking to gain valuable patient care experience while in school? If so, you might be a great fit for this position! Working in a patient support role while in nursing school provides valuable experience for your future career as a nurse!

UPMC Altoona is seeking a nursing student for a casual Patient Care Technician role in our T11 Trauma unit! Casual PCTs can work a very flexible schedule, typically only requiring 12 hours per 6-week schedule during the school year.

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.

*Nursing students who do not have prior experience or a completed clinical rotation may be considered for a Nursing Assistant job title. Title and compensation will be determined based on the individual's experience.

Responsibilities:

• 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.

• 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). In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections and ticket to ride. All competencies must be achieved.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 inpatient status.

• 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.

• Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information. Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions.

• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner. Completes department clerical functions as needed.

• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• In addition to the standard required competencies, the Patient Care Technician will achieve and maintain competency and/or perform at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need: phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia, 12 lead EKG, and NG tubes clamping and removal.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Enrollment in a Nursing Program with:

• 1 year of general healthcare experience OR

• 6 months experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion OR

• Completion of at least 1 nursing program clinical rotation required

• Successful completion of UPMC Patient Care Technician class upon hire

• Successful completion of basic information system training

• Microcomputer experience preferred? Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing

• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medical to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• CPR 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