Patient Care Technician - Inpatient, Float Pool Nights

Job Overview

Under the direction of the appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities. Receives workplace education and training to assist members of the healthcare team in the care of patients.

• Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, and/or mental status.
• Provides constant observation of high‑risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment. Works to utilize interventions to de‑escalate patients and, if unsuccessful, participates in restraints in accordance with training and education as directed.
• Assists patient with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals and nourishment.
• Assists in moving, lifting, positioning and transporting patients by utilizing proper safety techniques and body mechanics in all work‑related activities.
• Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, utilizing fall prevention alternative devices/strategies as directed, and following the Restraint Policy standards when caring for a restrained patient.
• Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and pulse oximetry). Measures and records patients' height and weight.
• Performs EKGs, Point of Care (POC) tests and bladder scanning. Collects, labels and prepares specimens for transport to lab.
• Performs other selected unit specific procedures such as battery changes for telemetry units, checking status of unit equipment, cleaning equipment between patients and proper storage of supplies.
• Assists RN/Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patient, obtaining equipment and supplies, helping to position patient, providing the patient with emotional support and cleaning up equipment and supplies following the treatment and/or procedure.
• Observes, measures, records oral food and fluid intake. Refills tube feeding bags as directed. Empties and records output, as approved, from a variety of sources, e.g., Foley catheter, ostomy appliances and drainage systems. Performs ostomy care on established ostomate patients as directed.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patients' needs by acting as a source of information and approaching all interactions with the intention of building positive rapport and relationships.
• Provides respectful, culturally and age‑appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors and others.
• Replenishes patient and unit supplies and equipment as needed.
• Requests assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
• Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards and/or books, bulletin boards, posted notices and reading and responding to UMMHC e‑mails on a regular basis.
• Has the ability to precept new Patient Care Technicians.

• Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
• Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
• Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
• Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients, and visitors.
• Maintains regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

• Minimum high school education or GED.
• Current Basic Life Support.
• Demonstrated competency attainment in Patient Care Technician I level, work a minimum of 800 hours and at least 6 months as a PCA I.
• Prior inpatient/outpatient care experience or clinical care training.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.
• Basic medical terminology knowledge.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to gather information from individuals, build relationships…