TECH PARTNER - PCU

Technical Partner - PCU

The Technical Partner will provide direct and indirect patient care under the direction of the RN or LPN.

Essential Job Functions

• Deliver direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols and standards of care.
• Perform and/or assist with patient care needs as directed and assist patient with activities of daily living.
• Respond to call lights, inquiries and requests from patients and families in a timely manner.
• Collect, document and report ongoing patient care data as directed.
• Measure and/or document intake and output, including drainage and obtain daily weights when indicated.
• Obtain individual patient care equipment as directed.
• Transport patients as directed.
• May perform the following skills: obtain vital signs, apply heating pads, set up suction equipment, utilize E cylinders, apply antiembolic hose, aseptic techniques, distribute and maintain sufficient supply of linens, apply Sequential Compression Devices, perform blood glucose testing, perform ostomy care, simple dressing changes, apply telemetry leads, bladder scanning, preventative skin care. Apply pulse oximetry, transport blood and blood products from blood bank, perform EKGs, oral pharyngeal suctioning, place patient in CPM machine, prepare and maintain isolation boxes and supplies, declutter patient rooms and storage areas, deliver specimens to lab, crutch measurement and teaching, maintenance of specialty carts, supply inventory and special order supplies, stock warmers with blankets, saline, and water.
• Make regular rounds to address patient needs and physical environment - purposeful hourly rounding.
• Assist in the educational process to promote and maintain health, foster self-care, and improve outcomes.
• Obtain resources as needed.
• Report to the RN/LPN information regarding the patient's readiness to learn.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship with other health care providers to achieve desired outcomes and assure continuous flow of patient care.
• Communicate pertinent information of actual/potential problems to the professional/practical nurse.
• Communicate pertinent information at shift reports and during internal and external transfers.
• Participate in the unit performance improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer services.
• Assist in data collection process as requested.
• Recommend modifications for performance improvement.
• Demonstrate leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of the technical partner.
• Demonstrate an ability to solve problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seek assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate.
• Maintain accountability for actions taken.
• Effectively function as a resource person.
• Act as a patient advocate.
• Perform effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hires and/or students.
• Assist in maintaining/decreasing organizational/departmental costs.
• Assist in the department's compliance with state, Joint Commission, OSHA and other regulatory agencies.
• Assist in continuous survey readiness for inspections and surveys.
• Adhere to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
• Assist with maintaining sufficient and proper supplies on an assigned unit.
• Assist with monitoring sterile supplies for expiration date and replaces as needed.
• Provide for patient safety in compliance with hospital and nursing department policies.
• Utilize two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care.
• Assume appropriate code team role during code situations or mock codes.
• Respond effectively during emergency situations, including internal and external disasters.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors and staff.
• Complete proper collection, identification, labeling and delivery of specimens (including diagnostic studies) to the appropriate department.
• Support limited use of restraints in accordance with established standards and documents according to policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• HS Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• Completion of a Nurse Aide or comparable program (such as EMT, Medical Assistant, nursing student with at least one semester of clinical) or EH Technical Partner training program with patient care experience.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, and sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nurse Aide certification
• Computer skills, Phlebotomy, EKG experience
• Current Nursing Student (with clinical experience).

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• A Technical Partner refresher training class may be required if an employee has not worked in an acute care setting and/or long-term care facility for his/her past three to five years.
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Regular, consistent, on-site and timely attendance.
• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one's own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela's missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO

• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.Essential – Absolute Necessity.Marginal – Minimal Necessity.Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift. - Physical Condition - Essential - Marginal - Constantly - Frequently - Occasionally - Rarely - Never

Extreme Heat - X

Extreme Cold - X

Heights - X

Confined Spaces - X

Extreme Noise(>85dB) - X

Mechanical Hazards - X

Use of Vibrating Tools - X

Operates Vehicle - X

Operates Heavy Equipment - X

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices - X - X

Rotates All Shifts - X - X

8 Hours Shifts - X