Patient Support Technician

Patient Support Technician

The Patient Support Technician functions as a collaborative member of the health care team in partnership with and under supervision of the Registered Nurse utilizing principles of Relationship-Based Care, performs direct patient care to a specific group of patients and coordinates activities which relate to the flow of unit processes. Actively supports the activities of the unit based shared governance council. Promotes organizational commitment and excellence in patient care experience.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates principles of Relationship-based Care to cultivate and maintain therapeutic relationships as a means to optimal healing and collegial functioning as an interdisciplinary care team member.
• Provides patient care that reflects respect for patients' rights, dignity, values, culture preferences, and expressed needs and attention to providing comfort, relieving pain, and alleviating anxiety.
• Provides basic bedside care and selected procedures under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Performs activities of daily living (ADL) appropriate to the patient's condition under the direction of and supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Initiates and maintains patient medical records.
• Manages communication for the unit including placing and receiving calls from physicians, other departments, and visitors.
• Maintains an accurate patient roster/census and available ready beds.
• Assists with the provision of patient education under the direction of the Registered Nurse.
• Performs basic nutritional support to patients such as bed set up, assistance with feeding, and collection and documentation of intake and calorie count as appropriate.
• Takes personal accountability to seek out experiences in order to maintain skills and competence.
• Seeks and incorporates feedback concerning improvement in one's own practice, including participation in self-appraisal.
• Assists with the admission process by collecting selected assessment data, applying necessary equipment, labeling patient's clothes and belongings, informing patient/family of unit routines, etc.
• Provides individualized care consistent with the plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Actively engages and participates in unit-based and other committees and indicatives that promote patient and workplace safety, optimal patient outcomes, and satisfaction.
• Reports changes in patient condition to the Registered Nurse in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates proper body mechanics in performing role.
• Performs other various duties as assigned and needed. These duties may vary depending upon the unit, patient type and need, number and complexity of treatment provided. Additional duties may also include nonclinical duties consistent with meeting the needs of the patient and care team.
• Demonstrates and actively promotes an understanding and commitment to the mission of Trinity Health Oakland through performing behaviors consistent with the Trinity Health Values.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations, the Trinity Health Organizational Integrity Program, including the Standards of Conduct, Code of Ethics, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behaviors.
• Supports and conducts one's self in a manner consistent with customer service expectations.
• In accordance with unit or departmental practice, determines that appropriate charges have been entered for the correct patient, encounter, date/time of service, with any required modifiers. Make corrections as needed per charge capture policy/practice.
• In accordance with unit or departmental practice, actively participates in on-going education and communication regarding revenue management.
• In accordance with unit or departmental practice, assists with tracking and monitoring of equipment assigned to the unit. Requests services for maintaining equipment as needed.
• In accordance with unit or departmental practice, proficient with the electronic health records for documentation, assessment, and care management, performing these activities concurrently with provision of care throughout the shift.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience: Preferably at least one of the following:
• 6 months direct patient care experience within past 5 years.
• Completion of one Medical/Surgical clinical rotation in a nursing educational program.
• Completion of a "Patient Care Technician" program that requires successful completion of an externship in an acute care facility.
• Previous Health Unit Coordinator/Unit Secretary working experience.
• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program or equivalent.
• Completion of one of the following preferred:
• 1. Certification program which requires a Medical/Surgical rotation.
• 2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
• 3. Equivalent work experience as defined in Section D.
• Licensure/Certification:
• If EMT - current licensure in State of Michigan.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through American Heart Association.

Physical and Mental Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Maintains appropriate skill level through completion of required hospital and unit based education offerings.
• In a typical day, the colleague may sit for 25%, stand for 25%, and walk for 50% of the day.
• Working in the patient care environment may result in exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.
• Working weekends and holidays is necessary to meet staffing needs. Work in other units and shifts may be assigned as necessary to also meet staffing requirements.
• Associate's position requires occasional (5-10% of work time) squatting, crawling, crouching, kneeling, and balancing, frequent bending/stooping, and reaching above shoulder level, pushing/pulling.
• Position requires the use of hands for simple and firm grasping and fine manipulating.
• Position may require frequent lifting and carrying of patients/equipment other not to exceed 51 pounds. Associates will not lift items/patients exceeding 35 pounds from the floor.

Our Commitment:

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.