The Patient Care Technician provides direct patient care, including activities of daily living, vital signs monitoring, and specimen collection. They also support unit operations by collaborating with nursing staff and maintaining accurate medical documentation.
Requirements overview
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of healthcare experience or equivalent clinical training. Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician and eRecord training is required, along with CPR certification.
UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide nearly $2 billion annually in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across more than 40 hospitals and 800 outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers more than 4 million members, providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.
UPMC East is seeking a Full-Time Patient Care Technician to join our 3 E Progressive Care Unit.
This role is ideal for anyone looking to build their skills and confidence. Candidates are required to Work 36 hours in a rotating schedule. Shifts can range from 6 AM – 6:30 PM and 6 PM to 6:30 AM. Some weekend and holiday coverage is required.
The 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). In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections and ticket to ride. All competencies must be achieved. In addition to the standard required 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 arrhythmia, 12 lead EKG, and NG tubes clamping and removal.
***Title will be determined based on candidate's individual experience***
Responsibilities
Direct Patient Care
Provide direct patient care and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
Bathing
Feeding
Toileting
Ambulating
Turning and repositioning patients
Transporting patients
Assist with patient procedures and treatments.
Support physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
Monitor patients and communicate changes in condition to the Registered Nurse (RN).
Provide patient and family education under the direction of the RN.
Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints according to physician orders and hospital policy.
Clinical and Technical Skills
Perform UPMC Nursing Assistant core responsibilities, including:
Vital signs
Blood glucose monitoring
Point-of-care testing
Weights
Intake and Output (I&O) documentation
Foley catheter care
Specimen collection
Telemetry monitor application/reapplication
Hospital-acquired condition and patient safety indicator monitoring
Bladder scans
Simple dressing changes
Intra-hospital patient transportation (Ticket to Ride)
In addition, maintain competency and perform department-specific advanced skills based on operational needs, such as:
Phlebotomy/Venipuncture
12-Lead EKGs
Peripheral IV removal
Foley catheter removal
Straight catheterization
Basic arrhythmia monitoring
NG tube clamping and removal
Documentation and Administrative Support
Document patient care accurately in the medical record according to established procedures.
Complete assigned work in a timely and productive manner.
Perform department clerical functions as needed.
Maintain appropriate medication handling practices, limited to distributing medications to the nurse.
Unit Operations and Team Support
Respond promptly to call lights and telephones.
Pass meal trays and assist with patient transport.
Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
Collaborate effectively with nursing staff and other hospital departments.
Support unit workflows and contribute to efficient department operations.
Communication and Professionalism
Demonstrate clear and effective communication with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships through accountability, professionalism, and teamwork.
Establish respectful interpersonal relationships and promote a supportive work environment.
Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, workplace respect, and impairment awareness within healthcare professions.
Quality, Safety, and Compliance
Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and patient confidentiality requirements.
Follow all safety policies, standard precautions, and infection prevention protocols.
Promote patient and employee safety in the workplace.
Support departmental quality initiatives, projects, and process improvements.
Recognize problems as opportunities for improvement and contribute to solutions.
Professional Development
Constructively receive feedback and apply it to improve performance.
Identify and communicate learning needs to leadership.
Seek assistance with prioritization and workload management when needed.
Participate in self-evaluations and professional development activities.
Maintain all required competencies and certifications.
Advanced Skills Requirement
In addition to standard competencies, Patient Care Technicians must maintain competency in one or more advanced clinical skills as determined by department needs, including:
Phlebotomy/Venipuncture
Peripheral IV Removal
Foley Catheter Removal
Basic Arrhythmia Interpretation
12-Lead EKG
NG Tube 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 bachelor’s 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
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)
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UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran