Casual Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician (Nursing Students)

UPMC; McKeesport (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% pay premium

Flexible schedule

Job summary

UPMC McKeesport is seeking a casual Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician for our Resource Department, offering a flexible schedule and hands-on experience in patient care. An additional 10% will be added to the base pay rate, making this an appealing option for nursing students building clinical skills.

Candidates will work 36 hours every 6 weeks, balancing classes and clinicals while contributing to high-quality patient care alongside nurses and physicians.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of general healthcare experience, or 6 months as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency within 120 days, or relevant health program enrollment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living and monitor vital signs.
• Collect specimens and perform basic nursing tasks.
• Support RN with patient care, safety, and comfort.
• Document care in the medical record per policy.
• Perform advanced skills as department needs (phlebotomy, EKG, etc.).

Skills

Nursing Assistant

Patient Care

Phlebotomy

EKG

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

UPMC McKeesport is seeking a CASUAL Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician to join our Resource Department—a flexible role that’s perfect for gaining hands‑on experience in patient care.

A perk of this position is that an additional 10% will be added to your base pay rate!

This role is ideal for nursing students looking to build clinical skills and confidence. Candidates are required to Work 36 hours every 6 weeks—a manageable schedule that fits around your classes and clinicals.

The Nursing Assistant plays a vital role in delivering high quality patient care by assisting nurses and healthcare providers in daily clinical and personal care tasks. Responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), collecting specimens, and ensuring a clean and safe patient environment. The Nursing Assistant may also work collaboratively with nurses to perform EKGs and phlebotomy procedures. The Nursing Assistant must demonstrate compassion, strong communication skills, and a commitment to patient‑centered care while adhering to all healthcare protocols and safety standards.

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.

Patient Care:

• Assist with patient procedures and activities of daily living.
• Provide physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
• Provide feedback to the RN regarding patient care and report changes in patient status.
• Perform UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections, and Foley care).
• Perform at least four of the following BU identified tasks: phlebotomy, 12 lead EKG, simple dressing, Foley catheter removal, point of care testing, bladder scan, straight catheter, or IV catheter removal.

Equipment and Communication:

• Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
• Establish appropriate and effective communication with other departments.
• Establish professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
• Contribute to universal unit activities, including responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.

Feedback and Development:

• Constructively receive feedback and direction.
• Identify and communicate learning needs to the unit director.
• Take action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Request assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
• Participate in self-review as requested by the unit director.

Patient and Family Instruction:

• Provide instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN.
• Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.

Communication and Safety:

• Communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions.
• Support safety in the workplace for patients and self.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.

Policy Adherence:

• Strictly adhere to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital-related information.
• Comply with safety policies and procedures, including standard precautions.

Departmental Support:

• Suggest and support changes within the department.
• Assume responsibility for assignments and view problems as challenges.
• Demonstrate awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
• Support department-based projects and quality initiatives.

Documentation and Clerical Functions:

• Document in the medical record according to established procedures.
• Perform assigned work in a timely and productive manner.
• Complete department clerical functions as needed.

Competency and Advanced Skills:

• Achieve and maintain competency in required standard competencies.
• Perform at least one 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.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must also have either
  • 1 Year of general healthcare experience, OR
  • 6 months of experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion, OR
  • enrollment in PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR
  • completion of a bachelors degree in a health sciences field.
• Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class
• Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Microcomputer experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• 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)
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran