Patient Care Technician

Patient Care Technician "Pct"

With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation's top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.

Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.

The Patient Care Technician "PCT" provides basic care to patients, performing all job functions in an ethical manner and ensuring patient safety, privacy, dignity, and confidentiality. This role also provides daily comfort measures and interactions with patients to create a positive care environment and experience. The PCT coordinates patient care with the Registered Nurse (RN), including effectively observing and communicating changes in patients' conditions to the RN and responding appropriately to emergency situations. The Patient Care Technician interacts with and contributes to the professional development and image of all unit staff practicing in a Shared Governance model of nursing practice. The role is responsible for performing a comprehensive list of core skills applicable to the role and our environment and practicing standard precaution and isolation procedures to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Provides personal direct care for patients in collaboration with the RN. Observes and effectively communicate changes in patient's condition to the RN and responds appropriately to emergency situations.

Utilizes a consistent, patient-focused care approach to meet patient needs and demonstrate initiatives to utilize a holistic approach to identify patient needs. Assists with the patient dining process by serving meals/feeding. Instructs patients in self-care and instrumental activities of daily living to provide skill practice including but not limited to bathing, dressing and daily grooming activities.

Supports the plan of care by carrying out and recording specific nursing care procedures such as bowel program procedures, emptying catheter, measuring and recording intake and output, measuring with gain or loss, and providing emotional support and encouragement to all patients and families.

Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given. Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems in a timely manner according to Center policy.

Screens and interviews patients.

Measures and documents vital signs.

Monitors and supports patient progress.

Prepares patients for tests, therapy, and other activities.

Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patients.

Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to use.

Serves as clinical preceptor for new staff/students or shadowing experience for prospective new employees.

Practices positive and engaging professional behavior.

Respects patient's privacy and confidentiality with every interaction as per HIPAA regulations.

Adheres to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).

Establishes relationships with other PCTs on a daily basis in order to efficiently complete duties, providing consistent patient care.

Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.

Ensures appropriate usage of supplies and proper charging. Manages linen, supplies, etc. appropriately.

Participates in staff recruitment and new employee onboarding efforts, as applicable.

Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.

Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.

Required minimum education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Required minimum certification:

• No professional certifications required. Certified Nursing Assistant "CNA" preferred.

Required minimum experience:

• One (1) year hospital or long term care experience preferred; or nursing school students with one (1) semester of clinical instruction, LPN, or equivalent experience.

Required minimum skills:

• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to take exceptional care of patients by providing multi-skilled direct patient care as delegated by the RN.
• Highly motivated with a positive attitude.
• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
• Maintain congenial working relationships with RNs and others.
• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.

Preferred qualifications:

• Certified Nursing Assistant "CNA"
• Previous experience with patients with SCI, TBI, and/or mental health preferred.

Physical demands:

• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 35 lbs.

Working conditions:

• Normal patient care environment.
• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.