Patient Care Tech

Overview

Functions as a member of the patient‑centered care team to provide direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse for assigned patients and their families/significant others. Assists medical and nursing staff with procedures and/or tests and patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Performs specific care activities such as specimen collection, phlebotomy, intravenous (IV) catheter insertion, electrocardiography (EKG) and documentation in the health record.

Incumbents in this position may perform all or a combination of the duties described depending upon the assigned work area and the specific needs of the patients and the department.

• Contribute to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adhere to department policies, procedures, quality and safety standards, and SPIRIT Values.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal hygiene including bathing, mouth care, dressing, skin care, positioning, feeding, ambulation, toileting and range of motion activities.
• Assist with patient mobilization and rehabilitation using crutches and walkers and transfer/transport of patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
• Collect specimens (e.g., blood, urine, sputum, stool); perform venipuncture/phlebotomy; obtain EKGs; apply external telemetry monitoring devices; insert and change intravenous (IV) catheters, dressings and routine inspection of IV sites.
• Assist in the measurement and documentation of patient intake and output (I&O); accurately take and record patient vital signs, height and weight, pulse oximetry, point‑of‑care and waived testing (e.g., finger‑sticks for glucose monitoring/Accu Check, urine dipstick, hemoccult).
• Perform routine sterile and non‑sterile treatments and activities identified by Unit/Hospital policy (e.g., tube feedings, ostomy care, Foley catheter care and removal, perineal care, simple dressing changes, wound care, turning and positioning, post‑mortem care, maintenance of drainage tubes, care of oxygen equipment, and assistance with traction casts, splints and exercise equipment).
• Maintain patient comfort, privacy, confidentiality and dignity while delivering services; perform patient observation duty (including 1:1 observation and restraints); prepare patients for provider exams and assist providers and RNs in examinations and procedures.
• Round on all assigned patients based on established standards (e.g., purposeful hourly rounding); report problems concerning patients/families; ensure complete hand‑off to oncoming shift and obtain full hand‑off from outgoing shift; initiate and assist in CPR when indicated.
• Participate in patient/family teaching; respond promptly, courteously and respectfully to questions from patients’ families and visitors; refer to appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of patient rooms and environment; distribute and change linens/towels; remove used meal trays; check bed side rails and safety restraints; assist with environmental services support such as linen management, trash removal and cleaning patient rooms as needed.
• Escort patients during discharges, transfers and medical appointments; deliver specimens to the laboratory and other supplies and equipment as required.
• Receive and stock equipment and supplies; maintain orderly supply and utility rooms.
• Attend staff meetings, ongoing educational offerings and multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.

• Education – High School Diploma or GED or equivalent required; completion of an approved nursing assistant certification program required.
• Experience – Less than 1 year experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Tech required; experience in acute care, long‑term care or other settings; student nurse in junior or senior year preferred.
• Licenses and Certifications – CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) from the relevant jurisdiction required; CPT (Phlebotomy Technician) certification preferred; CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation, including BLS and NRP) from AHA or American Red Cross within 90 days required; additional unit/specialty certifications may vary.
• Knowledge,
  
  Skills and Abilities
  
  – Basic math knowledge; verbal and written communication skills; basic computer skills preferred.

USD $19.55 – $34.25 /Hr.