Patient Care Technician

Patient Care Technician

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse, performing clinical, technical, and supportive tasks within their scope of practice. Responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, assisting with procedures, providing hygiene and comfort measures, transporting patients, and maintaining equipment and supplies. The PCT ensures patient rights are respected while delivering safe, compassionate care to a diverse patient population.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Verbal and written communication skills. Ability to provide patient care and services. Ability to react calmly in emergency situations. Knowledge of medical terminology. Skill in use of personal computers and related software applications. Interpersonal and customer service skills. Proficiency in data entry and maintaining accurate electronic records.

Responsibilities:

• Provide compassionate patient care by addressing concerns, answering questions, and offering emotional support to patients and families.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding, and mobility.
• Measure, record, and report vital signs and changes in patient condition to the nurse or healthcare team.
• Perform basic patient care procedures and treatments in accordance with established policies, procedures, and validated competencies.
• Collect and transport specimens as needed.
• Assist with patient transport for tests, procedures, and transfers within the facility.
• Support clinical staff with procedures, treatments, and patient care activities.
• Perform point-of-care testing and other technical duties as assigned, based on competency and unit needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation in electronic health records.
• Respond to call lights and communicate patient needs to appropriate team members.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized patient environment, including room setup, equipment cleanup, and adherence to infection control practices.
• Assist with unit operations, including stocking supplies, managing inventory, and supporting clerical functions as needed.
• Serve as a resource or preceptor to new staff as assigned.
• The duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties and responsibilities performed and are not meant to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Management retains the right to add or change duties at any time.

Physical and Environmental Demands: Requires occasional exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and exposure to heat and cold, occasional handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment, occasional exposure to biohazardous conditions such as risk of radiation exposure, blood borne pathogens, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals which mandate attention to safety considerations, occasional working hours significantly beyond regularly scheduled hours, occasional travelling to offsite locations, occasional activities subject to significant volume changes of a seasonal/clinical nature, occasional work produced subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, frequent bending, occasional lifting and carrying up to 75 pounds, occasional crawling, frequent crouching/stooping, occasional kneeling, frequent pushing/pulling, frequent reaching, occasional sitting, constant standing, frequent twisting, and constant walking. (occasional-up to 20%, frequent-from 21% to 50%, constant-51% or more)

Requirements:

Education and Experience Required:

High school diploma/GED and one of the below:

• Two (2) years' direct patient care work experience in a hospital setting
• Completion of Nursing Aide clinical training program approved by MS Department of Health
• Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) with MS Department of Health
• Completion of UMMC Student Nurse Externship or Patient Care Technician training program

Certifications, Licenses, or Registration required:

Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association or Heartsaver (CPR) from the American Heart Association post-hire within three (3) months