Patient Care Associate

INTRODUCING OUR UPDATED COMPENSATION STRUCTURE

Under the guidance and oversight of the Registered Nurse, the Patient Care Technician (PCT) plays a crucial role in assisting healthcare professionals by executing a range of supportive and technical tasks that enhance the safety, care, and comfort of patients and their families. This role involves delivering both direct and indirect patient support, performing essential technical skills and procedures, managing routine administrative tasks, and contributing to the upkeep of the healthcare environment.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

• High School Diploma or equivalent is mandatory. Familiarity with healthcare terminology and coursework is advantageous.
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting is strongly preferred.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) is preferred.

CORE VALUES:

• Communication: Prioritize understanding before expressing your own views.
• Collaboration: Provide exceptional service while ensuring safety is paramount.
• Compassion: Treat every individual with empathy, dignity, and kindness.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be capable of pushing/pulling, lifting/moving up to 35 lbs, and performing moderately challenging manual tasks such as typing, writing, and filing for extended periods. Must also be able to perform tasks requiring hand-eye coordination, including data entry and operating office equipment. Mobility requirements may include remaining stationary at a workstation for prolonged periods and being able to squat or move for reasonable distances. Communication abilities include understanding spoken English and being able to read and communicate effectively in English.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Safety:

• Provide appropriate assistance and monitoring to prevent falls.
• Report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Follow policies and procedures regarding patient restraints.
• Conduct equipment checks as assigned, removing broken equipment promptly and reporting malfunctions in a timely manner.
• Set and verify equipment alarms (Bed, Posey chair, monitor) as directed by the RN.
• Offer Constant Observation or Periodic Awareness as instructed by the RN.
• Engage in hourly rounding, which includes
  • turning and positioning
  • safety checks
  • maintaining a clutter-free environment
  • ensuring items are within reach
  • assisting with toileting
• Respond promptly to patient call lights.
• Adhere to infection control, safety, fire, and disaster protocols.

Patient Care:

• Deliver care within the scope of responsibilities.
• Assist with daily bed baths and chlorhexidine baths as per protocol.
• Support patients during showers.
• Provide perineal care for all patients, with increased frequency for those experiencing incontinence.
• Assist with mouth, skin, hair, and nail care.
• Shave patients with an electric razor as directed by the RN.
• Administer routine morning wake-up and night pre-bed hygiene care to all assigned patients.
• Assist patients in using Activities of Daily Living (ADL) devices.

Skin Care:

• Turn and position patients at least every two hours during bed rest.
• Inspect skin for signs of redness, swelling, bruising, abrasions, or breakdown and report findings to the RN.
• Utilize appropriate pressure-relieving devices under the RN's direction.

Meal Assistance:

• Position patients for meals.
• Deliver and set up meal trays.
• Provide patient hygiene before and after meals.
• Assist with feeding as necessary.
• Ensure fresh drinking water is available.
• Accurately record intake/output as ordered and document totals at the end of the shift.

Elimination Support:

• Respond promptly to requests for assistance with urinals, bedpans, or commodes.
• Assist patients to the bathroom as needed.
• Correctly apply and care for condom catheters.
• Provide care for Foley catheters.
• Empty urinary drainage bags.
• Validated Technicians provide routine ostomy care.
• Ensure appropriate patient hygiene after toileting.
• Accurately measure and record urine output and other outputs as directed.
• Document totals at the end of the shift.

Equipment Operation:

• Utilize patient care equipment such as sphygmomanometers, scales, pulse oximeters, Radiant Warmers, and telemetry monitoring equipment.
• Perform technical procedures including phlebotomy, EKG, urine and sputum specimen collection, and bedside glucose monitoring.
• Operate patient care transport equipment including wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, Hover mats, Sit to Stand devices, slide sheets, and stretchers.
• Manage the pneumatic tube system.
• Utilize dietary meal ordering systems.
• Handle unit equipment such as fax machines, phones, communication systems, and maintenance tools.
• Monitor unit supplies to ensure availability.

Data Management:

• Obtain and accurately record vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, reporting any abnormal findings to the RN.
• Document height and weight upon admission, discharge, and periodically as ordered.
• Place cardiac and respiratory monitoring leads as directed.
• Perform 12-lead EKGs and obtain rhythm strips as instructed.
• Conduct bedside glucose monitoring according to established policies and procedures, recording and reporting results.
• Apply pulse oximeters and monitor, recording data as required.
• Document all data in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Timely report observations to the RN and follow escalation policies as necessary.
• Perform venipuncture to obtain blood specimens for laboratory analysis as applicable.
• Collect urine, stool, and sputum specimens for analysis and culture as directed by the RN.

Customer Interaction:

• Exhibit tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity when engaging with patients, visitors, physicians, and colleagues.
• Respect patient privacy, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate non-judgmental behavior.
• Identify potential patient/family relations issues and communicate them to the appropriate personnel.
• Participate in and utilize effective intra and interdepartmental communication systems.
• Ensure verbal communication is clear, concise, and relevant.
• Maintain open lines of communication with peers and other healthcare team members.
• Communicate patient/family needs to the appropriate staff and escalate to the next level of leadership when necessary.

Administrative Support:

• Answer phones with proper etiquette and communicate effectively with providers, families, and colleagues.
• Maintain all medical records on the unit.
• Receive non-controlled medications from the pharmacy and secure them in designated areas, including monitoring the pneumatic tube system for medication deliveries.
• Coordinate all patient movements on and off the unit in collaboration with the RN.
• Review and process Advanced Directive paperwork as needed.

Professional Responsibility:

• The PCT must adhere to dress code guidelines and wear appropriate scrubs.
• Accept constructive feedback from colleagues and supervisors, adjusting behavior or performance as appropriate.
• Support and comply with hospital policies, decisions, and changes.
• Actively participate in unit activities, committees, and staff meetings.
• Stay informed by reading departmental communications and updates promptly.
• Complete all mandatory hospital and unit-based competencies/in-services within required time frames.

Ellis Medicine is dedicated to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range: $16.98-$22.53/Hour Compensation is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be compensated within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.

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