Patient Care Technician

Job SummaryUnder direct supervision from a Registered Nurse or other designated supervision, provides direct patient care or miscellaneous technical support by performing delegated procedures of a specialized and technical nature, which may include obtaining hemodynamic measurements, setting-up and maintaining specialized clinical equipment and performing delegated clinical or laboratory procedures, changing dressings, assisting with admitting and discharge procedures. Assist with more complex procedures and perform complex diagnostic testing. Develop and recommend changes in patient care activities to improve the quality of patient care services. Under FLSA, incumbents in this position are non-exempt.Responsibilities*Observation/MonitoringObtains vital signs, temperature, height/length, weight, oxygen saturation and pain scores; reports abnormal values to RN.Observes, monitors and reports the overt physical condition of assigned patient(s).Measures and records intake and output.Functions as a patient attendant as needed.Assists physician/provider during diagnostic procedures; assists and supports patient before and during procedures; assists in specimen collection.Applies and changes ECG electrodes and pulse ox probe; attaches patient to travel (ECG and A-line) monitor.Specimen CollectionPerforms point of care testing; maintains and calibrates equipment and supplies.Collects blood specimens from arterial lines.Initiates, maintains and records 24-hour urine collection.Transports blood and laboratory specimens.Intravenous LinesDiscontinues peripheral IV's under RN direction.Removes peripheral IV dressings under RN direction.Patient ADLsAssists patients with, or administers routine personal hygiene including baths, oral care, skin care.Performs preventative skin care, pre-operative preps, perineal care.Provides toileting/bedpan/urinal; remove/empty foley catheters.Accompanies, escorts, ambulates, moves, turns, dangles, lifts, transports and attends/holds/positions patients.Assists with range of motion; applies rehabilitation equipment; releases and applies devices, i.e. wheelchair seatbelt, adaptive equipment, etc., in accordance with specific instructions, to position patients to limit movements.Provides patient nourishment by performing such duties as passing and collecting trays, providing snacks/beverages, assists with ordering meals/snacks; feeds patients.Tube FeedingsPerform tube feedings of patients, at the direction of the RN, and after the RN has established placement just prior to each tube feeding (e.g. Change tube feeding bag, prime line and set rate after notifying RN, refill tube feeding bag as indicated per infection control guidelines and after verifying correct tube feeding to be administered).Urinary CathetersDiscontinues urinary catheters.Applies condom catheter.Determines bladder status with Bladder Scanner.Enemas/SuppositoriesApplies external Fecal Incontinence Device bags.Wound CareCleanses and redresses non-sterile wounds.Performs simple sterile dressing changes.Assists RN with complex dressing changes.Cares for permanent drainage sites and apply appropriate collection device, i.e., ostomy, G-tube,etc.Applies binders, ACE wraps, hot and cold applications; provides soaks and special baths.Respiratory CareAssist with tracheostomy care on stable tracheotomies including such duties as cleaning and redressing area; assists with tape and tie changes.Performs endotracheal/tracheostomy tube suctioning after assessment by RN of patient stability.Provides ventilation to the intubated/trached patient with an Ambu bag.Assists with Endotracheal tube care and tape changes.Assists with P&PD by holding the patient.Coaches/prompts patient to use incentive spirometer, and in coughing and deep breathing.Performs routine nasal and/or oral suctioning.Other InterventionsMeasures and obtains TED hose; applies Sequential Compression Devices.Performs post-mortem care and transports deceased patients to the morgue/pathology.Responds to call lights and alarms; answer unit telephone and relay messages prn.Empties and measures drainage collection and emesis.Assists RN with admissions, discharges, and transfers.Provide skin care at the direction of the RN, applying select topical emollients containing medication (ie, cortisones, tar, silvidine, butt cream, and dermatology lotions).Initiates emergency care utilizing the ABCs -- Airway, Breathing, Circulation.Transports materials, supplies, medications, specimens, patient belongings, equipment and medical records.Performs patient care comfort-safety rounds per unit routine.Assists with application and maintains restraints.Documents care provided.EnvironmentStocks supplies and equipment in patient care spaces.Sets up patient rooms for admission or procedure.Makes up beds with linen, changes bed linens and linen hamper during patient stay.Maintains orderliness of the patient room and unit, including equipment/cords, linen, trash, patient belongings, etc.Cleans and maintains inventory and outdates of equipment and supplies in patient care spaces.Clean assigned equipment and areas of work.Checks emergency equipment.Breaks down room after patient removal.Clean, wipe down, and remove equipment.Ensure all secretion containers are properly emptied and disposed of.Required Qualifications*High school diploma, GED or equivalent,Must be able to perform a wide range of physical activities which include moving, transporting and positioning patients and equipment as well as constantly positioning self to provide patient care and related dutiesDesired Qualifications*Basic computer skillsCourse work in an Allied Health fieldAbility to read and write, and one of the following: 6 months experience in skilled long-term facility/acute care hospital OREnrolled in a nursing program and have completed fundamentals of nursing course OR1 year experience short-term care facility (i.e. rehab) ORCompletion of a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program