Patient Care Technician - 3 South

Now Hiring : Casual Patient Care Technician (PCT) 3 South | UPMC Hamot

Location : Erie, PA

Unit : 3 South Observation / Short Stay Acute Care

Status : Casual

Preferred : Previous patient care experience

About the Unit

3 South is a 23-bed acute care unit that serves adult medical-surgical patients requiring short-term hospitalization. Common cases include recovery after unsuccessful outpatient or emergency department treatment, or monitoring following a procedure. The unit's focus is on stabilizing patients, determining safe discharge options, or deciding on full admission.

Position Summary

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides hands-on, routine patient care and supports department services under the direction of a nurse or physician. This role is vital to maintaining the highest quality of care and enhancing the patient experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for nursing students or those with healthcare experience looking to gain clinical exposure in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver core patient care including :

Activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, repositioning, transporting)

Point-of-care testing (blood glucose, vital signs, weights, intake / output)

Application / reapplication of telemetry monitors

Basic dressing changes

Bladder scanning

Specimen collection

Restraint placement / removal

Patient transport ("Ticket to Ride")

Ensure completion of all required competencies

Support hospital-acquired condition (HAC) and patient safety indicator (PSI) prevention protocols (e.g., TEDs / SCDs)

Document all care provided in the medical record in a timely and accurate manner

Contribute to general unit support tasks including responding to call lights, passing meal trays, and answering phones

Collaborate with the care team and communicate patient status changes to the RN

Maintain professional relationships and uphold UPMC's commitment to patient safety and respect

Advanced Skills (as needed by the unit)

With department need and proper training, may also perform :

Phlebotomy / Venipuncture

Peripheral IV removal

Foley catheter removal

NG tube clamping / removal

Basic arrhythmia recognition

12-lead EKG

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred : Previous patient care experience

Must meet one of the following :

Currently enrolled in a nursing program with :

1 year of general healthcare experience OR

6 months as UPMC NA / CNA with PCT competency OR

Completion of at least 1 clinical rotation in nursing school

Successful completion of the UPMC Patient Care Technician training class upon hire

Basic computer literacy required; EMR experience preferred

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Licensure, Certifications & Clearances

Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification required within 30 days of hire (must meet AHA standards with both didactic and skills demonstration components)

ACLS preferred

Act 34 Clearance required

Why UPMC?

At UPMC, we're committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. We offer opportunities for growth, flexible scheduling, and the chance to be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to exceptional care.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran