Patient Care Technician, Emergency Department

Patient Care Technician Opportunity

UPMC Mercy is searching for a full-time Patient Care Technician to support our Emergency Department!

This full-time position will work 3, rotating 12-hour shifts each week with 7am and 7pm start times. When working an overnight shift, you'll earn an extra $1.60 more per hour! If you have at least 1 year of experience working with patient care in a hospital setting or as an EMT, we welcome you to join our incredible team and grow your career with us!

UPMC Mercy's Emergency Department is a state-of-the-art 36-bed Level I trauma and burn center, as well as a primary cardiac and comprehensive stroke center, providing emergency care to over 68,000 people annually- one of the busiest in the Pittsburgh area! The ED handles critically ill or injured patients with minor or complex medical-surgical needs, as well as obstetrical patients; we also see a significant number of psychiatric cases and individuals seeking drug and alcohol services. Patient volume and acuity are variable and can change quickly, making the ED a rapidly changing environment where critical thinking and problem-solving are necessary to address evolving needs and priorities.

The Nursing Assistant and Patient Care Technician provides routine patient care and supports the department services in accordance with established policies and procedures and may be directed by the nurse or physician to assure that the highest degree of quality patient care can be maintained at all times. Must routinely perform the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients. PLUS point of care testing (inc. blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application / reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs / SCDs), clean catch / mini catheter urine collection. In addition, Patient Care Technicians can apply simple dressings, 12 lead EKG, bladder scan, all specimen collections. All competencies must be achieved.

Responsibilities :

• Provides patient care including assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living. Assists with physical, respiratory and cardiopulmonary therapies. Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status.
• Performs the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care) AND at least four of the following BU identified tasks : phlebotomy, 12 lead EKG, simple dressing, Foley catheter removal, point of care testing, bladder scan, straight catheter, or IV catheter removal.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Establishes appropriate and effective communication with other departments. Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships. Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays and transporting patients.
• Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director. Takes action to improve knowledge, skills and performance. Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.
• Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information. Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions.
• Suggests and supports changes within the department. Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges. Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department. Supports department-based projects and quality initiatives.
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner. Completes department clerical functions as needed.
• Must routinely perform and be fully competent with the UPMC nursing core assistant responsibilities including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients.) PLUS point of care testing (inc. blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application / reapplication, hospital-acquired condition & patient safety indicator. In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections and ticket to ride (intra-hospital patient transportation).
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
• Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director or direct leader. Request's assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
• Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
• Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.
• In addition to the required standard competencies, the Patient Care Technician will achieve and maintain competency and / or perform at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need : phlebotomy / venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrythmia, 12-lead EKG, and NG tubes clamping and removal.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must also have either a) 1 Year of general healthcare experience, OR b) 6 months of experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant / CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire / transfer / promotion for those with less than 1 year of experience, OR c) enrollment in PT / OT / PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR d) completion of a bachelors degree in a health sciences field.
• Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class
• Successful completion of eRecord training.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances : CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire, ACLS preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran