Patient Care Technician, Evaluation Referral Center

UPMC Mercy is looking for a full-time Patient Care Technician to support our Evaluation & Referral Center! Candidates with interest or previous work history with psychiatric and substance use disorders are invited to apply! Please note : This position requires flexibility to rotate to occasional night and weekend shifts, but primarily will work 12-hour daylight shifts during the weekdays.

When you work an overnight shift, you'll receive an extra $1.10 more per hour! Our Mercy ERC team is a wonderful opportunity to grow your career and continue your education to learn about the behavioral health population.

The Evaluation and Referral Center (ERC) is an extension of UPMC Mercy’s Emergency Department. The ERC is a locked unit which provides a safe environment for patients seeking treatment for acute and / or chronic behavioral health or substance abuse disorders.

All patients are evaluated by our skilled clinicians to determine the appropriate level of care needed to address the patient’s present clinical crisis.

Once disposition is determined, our staff facilitates admission, transfer, or discharge in collaboration with emergency department staff.

We also assist the Emergency Department and community providers with involuntary commitments and offer guidance regarding alternatives to hospitalization when clinically indicated.

Title and starting pay rate of this position may vary based on years of experience. Those without patient care experience may be brought in at the Nursing Assistant title / salary.

Salary range and responsibilities as shown are for a Patient Care Technician title.

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.

Candidates without previous PCT experience in a hospital-based setting will be required to attend a 9-day mandatory training course.

This course is held during weekdays and daylight hours. All 9 days are mandatory and are scheduled in a structured classroom setting.

Responsibilities :

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.

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, UPMC My Nursing Career : Patient Care Technician vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application / reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs / SCDs), clean catch / mini catheter urine collection.

In addition, simple dressings, 12 lead EKG, bladder scan, all specimen collections. All competencies must be achieved.

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.

Request’s assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.

Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.

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.

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 inpatient status.

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.

Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information.

Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions.

Documents in the medical record according to established procedures.

Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner.

Completes department clerical functions as needed.

Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies / behaviors.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Note : The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this job.

They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions associated with the job.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 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 days of hire / transfer / promotion, 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 bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
• Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class
• Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Microcomputer experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

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