Patient Care Technician

General Summary of Position Functions as a member of the patient‑centered care team to provide direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse for assigned patients and their families/significant others. Assists medical and nursing staff with procedures and/or tests and patients with activities of daily living (ADLs). Performs specific care activities such as specimen collection (phlebotomy), intravenous (IV) catheter insertion, electrocardiography (EKG) and documentation in the health record.

Incumbents in this position may perform all or a combination of the duties described depending upon the assigned work area and the specific needs of the patients and the department.

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality and safety standards and SPIRIT Values. Complies with governmental regulations and accreditation standards.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal hygiene including bathing, mouth care, dressing, skin care, positioning, feeding, ambulation, toileting and range of motion activities. Assists with patient mobilization and rehabilitation using crutches and walkers and transfer/transport of patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
• Collects specimens (e.g., blood, urine, sputum, stool), performs venipuncture/phlebotomy, obtains EKGs, applies external telemetry monitoring boxes/devices, and inserts intravenous (IV) catheters, changing IV sites and dressings and routinely inspecting IV sites.
• Assists in the measurement and documentation of patient's intake and output (I&O). Accurately takes and records patient's vital signs, height and weight, pulse oximetry, point‑of‑care tests (e.g., finger‑sticks for glucose monitoring/Accu Check, urine dipstick, hemoccult) and other pertinent data in the patient's health record.
• Performs routine sterile and non‑sterile treatments (e.g., application of thermal soaks) and other activities identified by unit/hospital policy inclusive of but not limited to: tube feedings; ostomy care;
  Foley catheter care and removal; perineal care; simple dressing changes and wound care; turning and positioning; post‑mortem care and transportation of body to the morgue; maintenance of drainage tubes with or without pump or suction; care of oxygen equipment; and assistance with the application, maintenance and removal of traction casts, splints and exercise equipment.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy, confidentiality and dignity of each patient in the delivery of services. Performs patient observation duty including 1:1 observation and application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations and procedures.
• Rounds on all assigned patients based on established standards (e.g., purposeful hourly rounding). Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients/families including changes in the patient's condition to the registered nurse and other care team members as necessary. Ensures complete hand‑off to oncoming shift and receives full hand‑off from outgoing shift. Initiates and assists in CPR when indicated.
• Participates in patient/family teaching as directed and responds to questions from patients, families and visitors in a prompt, courteous and respectful manner, referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.
• Maintains the cleanliness and safety of patient rooms/environment by distributing and changing linen/towels, removing used meal trays, checking bed side rails and safety restraints, etc. Assists with environmental services support such as linen management, trash removal and cleaning patient rooms as needed.
• Transports and/or escorts patients during discharges, transfers and/or medical appointments. Completes errands such as delivering specimens to the laboratory, equipment and supplies, etc. as required.
• Receives and stocks equipment and supplies and maintains orderly supply and utility rooms.
• Attends staff meetings, ongoing educational offerings and participates in multidisciplinary quality and service…