Patient Care Technician - Elmira, United States - Arnot Health

Description

JOB TITLE:

PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN

MAIN FUNCTION:

Assist with providing quality patient care, by performing assigned duties and specified patient care activities under the direction and supervision of a licensed nurse.

To assist in establishing and maintaining good interpersonal relationships with patients, families, health care personnel, and other departments.
The Patient Care Technician assists with the care of the mildly, chronic, and acutely ill patients.

As a Patient Care Technician, you are delegated the authority, responsibility and the accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

The Emergency PCT floats to other departments if needed when the emergency department is not busy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follows work assignments, and/or work schedules in completing or performing tasks.
• Performs all tasks in accordance with established policy/procedures and instructed by

Charge Nurse.

• Performs routine patient care which includes:

a.
Bathing

b.
Mouth Care

c.
Hair Care

d.
Toileting Assistance

Promotes patient comfort to include:
a.
Positioning, lifting and transfers

b.
Ambulation

c.
Answering call lights

d.
Assisting with emotional needs

• Performs and records the following specimen collection:

a.
Obtainblood specimens

b.

The Emergency PCT Only will perform point of care testing to include but not limited to:

glucometer, Hemocue, I-STAT (excluding ABG and Troponin), urine dip-stick, saliva alcohol swabs, urine and serum pregnancy test, rapid strep, stool occult-blood etc.

(as per training and policy).

c.
Obtain urine, stool and sputum specimens

d.
Actively participates in and documents quality controls on all procedures as

required in testing protocol (i.e. glucometer, Hemocue)

e.
Actively participates in the Process Improvement Program as required by the

Laboratory and regulatory agencies

• Observes and reports presence of pressure areas and skin breakdowns to prevent decubitus

ulcers.

• Assists with post mortem care.
• Takes temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure and pulse oximetry as directed.
• Discontinues foley catheters as directed in accordance with hospital standards.
• Assists with dressing changes as directed in accordance with hospital standards.
• Removes peripheral Saline Locks as directed in accordance with hospital standards.
• Accurately records entries on the ADL sheet, Intake and Output sheet and vital signs record.
• Reports all changes in patients' condition to the primary RN Charge Nurse or Nursing Supervisor.
• Promotes adequate patient nutrition by assisting with meals and feeding patients.
• Assists in the care of the patient in isolation.
• Operates all equipment in a safe manner after receiving in-service on how to use the equipment.
• Identifies defective equipment and removes piece of equipment from service.

And completes a work order.

• Follows policies and procedures related to Standard Precautions.
• Assists Unit Director with inventory and stocking of unit supplies.
• Will be cross-trained to cover Unit Clerk / Secretary duties and provide back-up as necessary.
• Attends and participates in Staff Unit meetings.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics with patient lifting and transferring to prevent injury to self or patients.
• Presents self in a professional manner:

- attire

- attitude

- prsentation

- communication

- attendance

• Accepts performance improvement suggestions, if applicable.
• Promotes and fosters the mission and philosophy of the Hospital during performance of job duties andcommunity activities.
• Actively supports and participates in the Hospital Continuous Quality Improvement endeavors.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• This position requires you to follow standard precaution guidelines in all work situations.
• Selects and uses appropriate personal protection equipment as the patient care situation dictates.
• Familiar with and demonstrates continuous Performance Improvement principles and participates in the process as appropriate.
• Attends all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.
• Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.
• It is understood that this lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties that may be assigned.

EDUCATION:
High school graduate preferred.


EXPERIENCE:
Previous experience or job knowledge is required.
Nursing aide training is required.
Phlebotomy and glucometer experience or training is required.


CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION:
Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Good physical and mental health is required because long periods of standing and walking are involved.
Also, stretching and lifting are required in the care of patients, the equipment and the physical environment.

Manual dexterity is necessary for handling instruments and equipment.
Visual and aural acuity are required to make adequate observations of patient's condition.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrates understanding, patience and tact in dealing with patients and fellow workers.
• Abides by and supports Hospital policies and standards.
• Trustworthy in safeguarding confidential information.
• Willingness to work hours that best meet the needs of a specific service.
• Appearance to be neat and professional at all times.
• This position requires limited access to the medical record, which includes charting on the flow sheet,ADL and graphic.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I:
Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.