Patient Care Tech

PCT

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse and according to established policies and procedures, provides basic nursing care to patients. Assists professional nurses and respiratory therapists with complex patient care up to the validated level of training. Provides age and developmentally appropriate care to adult and geriatric patients and their families.

Principal duties and responsibilities include:

• Exemplifies the RML REACH (Service Excellence) culture by demonstrating respect, excellence, appreciation, concern and honor in all interactions with patients, families and co-workers, and as identified in departmental and hospital wide behavioral expectations.
• Provides technical nursing care up to the validated level of training for the individual, under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Records information promptly and accurately in the medical record. All care provided is consistent with and appropriate to the age and developmental status of adult and geriatric patients.
• Provides timely and complete personal hygiene care and activities of daily living, including bathing, turning, weighing, toileting, ambulating, positioning, and feeding patients. Provides post mortem care. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and isolation practices in all situations.
• Obtains vital signs and other patient data collection, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration. Measures and records patient intake and output. Performs calorie counts. Empties urinary drainage bags, linen hampers, etc. Removes and replaces patient soft restraints according to policy after initial restraints have been applied by RN.
• Supports the established respiratory care needs of patients. Replaces tracheostomy mask, nasal cannula or ventilator tubing that has become disconnected or displaced, and notifies RN or RCP. Replaces pulse oximeter probe on patient's finger; observes pulse oximeter readings while providing care and notifies nurse or RCP of low readings. Reports pulse oximeter, ventilator or telemetry alarms to the RCP or RN.
• Performs simple procedures such as non-sterile dressing changes under the direction of a registered nurse.
• Performs common bedside tests including blood glucose monitoring, and checking stools for occult blood. Reports findings immediately to the patient's nurse, and documents in Meditech.
• Observes and reports patient signs and symptoms and responses to treatments. Reports changes in the patient's condition to the registered nurse and respiratory therapist.
• Assists with admissions and discharges. Orients patient and family to room, unit and environment. Handles patient belongings carefully and records them upon admission. Collects and packages patient belongings at discharge.
• Observes or reports the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and assists in providing supportive care.
• Answers call lights and responds to needs for all patients, not just those assigned. Assists other staff members in providing care to any patient on the unit. Offers assistance to other staff without being asked.
• Performs related services and duties such as cleaning equipment, obtaining and replacing patient room supplies, and similar related activities. Ensures that all supplies used are charged according to policy.
• Insures the enhancement of personal knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education programs and reading pertinent literature, etc.
• Maintains confidentiality of the patient's clinical and personal information and medical record. Uses information systems, including computer systems, for hospital business only and within all hospital policies for information confidentiality and system security. Complies with HIPAA guidelines.
• Conducts all communications with patients, families and staff in a positive, respectful manner. Answer telephones in a pleasant, professional manner. Directs callers to appropriate personnel and/or relays unit information. Pages personnel and physicians.
• Documents accurately and timely in Meditech.
• Provides an environment that is safe for the patient based on age and developmental status. Activities includes, but are not limited to: responding to call lights and alarms quickly with appropriate intervention, using patient's name and date of birth to identify patient prior to performing patient testing, complies with swallowing and skin breakdown precautions, and implements appropriate interventions consistent with the falls prevention protocol.
• Facilitates patient/family participation in self-care based on age and developmental status.
• Demonstrates appropriate psychosocial support based on age and developmental status.
• Actively participates in staff meetings and continuing education activities. Participates on committees or task forces and attends meetings as may be assigned. Meets all annual and ongoing employee requirements (TB Testing, Annual Review, Annual Clinical Validation, and performance evaluation, etc.) by demonstrating completion prior to due date.
• Responsible for supporting a safe work environment for self and others, by reporting unsafe conditions, and by using appropriate safe work practices such as proper body mechanics and applicable safety devices (patient lift and transfer equipment; safety needles and sharps disposal, PPE, etc.). Complies with Employee Health Services policies regarding illness and injury reporting.

Job requirements and characteristics include:

• The analytical ability to discern significant signs, symptoms and changes in patient condition and accurately report and document patient related data.
• The interpersonal skills necessary to consistently interact in a courteous and professional manner with patients, families and staff; reinforce patient performance of basic care techniques, communicate with family members; and interact with various levels of hospital staff.
• The physical ability to transport patients and carry supplies and equipment.
• The organizational skills necessary to deal with a number of tasks simultaneously.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Demonstrates successful completion of PCT competencies to validate all required skills.
• Effective January 2001, all Patient Care Technicians must have acquired skills in providing basic care to patients through documentation of:
• Completion and documented evidence prior to January 1996 of a nursing assistant education program certified by the State of Illinois.
• Successfully passed the written nursing assistant competency test after January 1996.
• Enrolled nursing student who has completed one semester of clinical training.
• Demonstrated completion of a hospital-based PCT training program and/or equivalent PCT experience subject to the approval of the respective Unit Manager and Chief Nursing Officer.
• Work is performed in a patient care environment. Work is performed in a restricted area which requires adherence to departmental attire policies. Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. Ability to lift and push heavy objects (such as stretchers, patient care equipment.)