Patient Care Technician

Job Summary

The Patient Care Technician provides direct patient care to an assigned group of patients, prepares patients for treatment and procedures, and assists in the general care of patients. Supervision is not typically a responsibility of this position, but the technician may provide leadership for lower level aides or act as a preceptor for new staff.

Provides care for assigned group of patients as described in individualized care plans and directed by a Registered Professional Nurse. Provides end-of-shift face‑to‑face hand‑off to incoming Patient Care Technician. Reports to supervising nurse when duties cannot be completed on the shift so that additional support can be arranged and the assignment completed prior to the next shift. Observes, records, and reports general condition of patient.

Identifies significant changes in patient’s clinical status and communicates to appropriate member(s) of the treatment team. Performs unit‑specific care competencies. Meets patient needs for comfort and safety by providing orientation, including maintaining time‑appropriate lighting, providing orienting stimuli such as clock, watch, TV, and newspaper, and providing eyeglasses and hearing aids as needed. Assists with patient nutritional and hydration needs, including setting up meal trays, feeding patient, filling out menu, and providing supplemental nutrition as ordered by medical staff.

Assists in patient admission by ensuring room readiness, welcoming patient to unit, and assisting with transfer and settling of patient into their room. Assists with patient discharge by gathering belongings and removing any medical equipment under the direction of the supervising nurse. Obtains vital signs and weights, collects specimens and finger sticks, records all results in the EMR and immediately notifies the nurse of abnormal results.

Maintains intake/output documentation, including emptying of urinary/foley, colostomy/ostomy, suction canisters, and meal/fluid intake. Assists patients with meals, sleeping, and hygiene needs, such as bathing, shaving, shampooing, oral and denture care, and activities of daily living including dressing, ambulating, toileting, and safe transfer techniques as directed by the supervising nurse. Responds to intercom requests and obtains needed services from nurses, physicians, or other hospital personnel when necessary.

Implements nursing safety interventions or use of protective devices to maintain patient safety. Assists nurse with turning appropriate patients every two hours. Transports patients to and from tests, procedures, or therapeutic activities. Maintains and restocks nursing servers during each shift. Complies with hospital policies and procedures to ensure that patient equipment, supplies, and personal belongings are protected. Participates in classes, patient‑centered conferences, workshops, in‑service programs, and unit and departmental meetings, as directed.

Experience:

Either (a) high school diploma and two years’ experience in patient care duties in a medical, hospital, or health‑care setting; (b) completion of a New York State approved Patient Care Technician program; or (c) satisfactory completion of a again patient‑care technician in‑service program or equivalent determined by nursing leadership.

Education:

Either (a) high school diploma and two years’ experience; (b) completion of a New York State approved Patient Care Technician program; or (c) satisfactory completion of a Patient Care Technician in‑service program or equivalent determined by nursing leadership. Licenses /

Certifications:

Current BLS or CPR certification by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, maintained throughout employment. Other:
Good knowledge of accepted standards of caring for and comforting the sick, disabled, injured, or others requiring mental health or personal assistance; customer‑service skills; ability to prioritize patient care using time and resources efficiently; maintain interpersonal relationships; handle critical situations; maintain composure as unit priorities change; follow oral and written instructions; communicate patient information verbally and in writing; computer literacy sufficient for duties;

good judgment, tact, initiative, positive attitude; neatness; physical condition commensurate with demands of the position.

• Seniority level:
  Entry level
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Health Care Provider
• Industries:
  Hospitals and Health Care