Patient Care Technician - Cardiovascular Surgical Stepdown -Per Diem Nights

Overview

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives and support one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. We offer competitive benefits and are committed to helping each other and our community thrive. Together, we keep getting better—advancing our mission to transform healthcare and lead positive change.

• Provide patient care based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the age of the guests/patients served.
• Ensure effective and safe outcomes through judgment, practice, and critical actions.
• Maintain ongoing communication with patients, nursing colleagues, and other members of the health care team regarding patient status and provided care.
• Take initiative to exceed expectations, improving performance and creating new opportunities.
• Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration of patients’ plan of care from admission to discharge to ensure safe transition and continuum of care.
• Engage in Unit/Department Performance Improvement (PI) activities.

• Welcomes patients and checks for proper identification bracelets.
• Prepares the patient for assessment/admission, physical examination, and procedures.
• Recognizes and responds to opportunities to enhance patient satisfaction.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients on the unit.
• Obtains clinical data (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, O₂ saturation) and documents findings; notifies RN immediately of abnormal results.
• Draws intravenous or capillary blood from newborn through geriatric patients using proper aseptic techniques and labels specimens appropriately.
• Performs venipuncture for laboratory tests.
• Collects, labels, and transports specimens to the proper area on time and accurately.
• Performs EKGs for patients as directed.
• Ensures presence, functionality, and cleanliness of all necessary equipment; checks and maintains code cart, O₂, and other emergency medical equipment.
• Applies bandages, slings, compression boots, and hypothermia blankets per RN direction.
• Assists in the transport of patients to departments or units upon request.
• Assists with preparation, ensuring the patient is assisted with meals or fed as needed.
• Checks inventory of assigned area and restocks as directed.
• Prepares patient room environment for admission.
• Provides direct hygiene and comfort care, including bathing, toileting, oral hygiene, incontinent care, and bed making.
• Assists patients with dressing/undressing and places belongings in the appropriate bag, labeling with completed property checklist.
• Collects specimens for glucose finger sticks and other tests; documents results.
• Provides post‑mortem care.
• Obtains and documents patient weights; monitors and records intake and output.
• Maintains a safe environment by answering call lights promptly and communicating with the RN immediately for any change in patient condition.
• Identifies patient population needs and delivers specific care, considering age, culture, language, hearing, and visual impairments.
• Performs additional duties and projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Completion of one of:
  Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, or Patient Care Technician program;
  Fundamentals of Nursing program; HMH PCT Apprenticeship Program; or equivalent medical background experience (e.g., EMT, Home Health Aide, CMA, MA, PCT, Nursing Assistant). Candidates not meeting one of these programs will be considered for the HMH PCT Apprentice Program, with transition to the Patient Care Technician role upon completion.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing patient needs; strong accountability for improving patients’ lives; exceptional teamwork focus; dedication to ongoing education; passion for delivering highest quality care.