Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician - 8A Neuro ICU

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Mercy is seeking a full-time Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician to support ICU Neuro 8A. Experienced candidates preferred; training provided for those without hospital PCT experience. Responsibilities include routine patient care, ADLs, vitals, telemetry, specimens, and safety compliance.

ICU team emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care in a high-acuity neurological setting. Role requires adherence to policies, teamwork, and willingness to participate in mandatory training if

Qualifications

• Assists with activities of daily living and basic patient care.
• Performs point-of-care testing and monitors vital signs as directed.
• Operates telemetry monitoring and documents results.

Responsibilities

• Provides patient care including assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living.
• Performs UPMC nursing core responsibilities (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and intake/output) and at least four BU tasks.
• Maintains equipment and reports malfunctions to the appropriate department.
• Communicates effectively with the health care team and supports patient safety.

Skills

ADLs support

Vital signs

Telemetry monitoring

Phlebotomy

12-lead EKG

Urine collection

Infection control

Communication

Tools

Telemetry monitor

Blood glucose testing

Foley care

IV catheter removal

Job description

Are you a healthcare professional interested in a career that provides plenty of opportunity for growth and development? If you're passionate about patient care and looking for a career that offers great benefits and plenty of room for growth, we invite you to explore this opportunity today!

UPMC Mercy is looking for a full-time Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician to support its 8A Neuro ICU! Those with previous healthcare experience are strongly preferred.

Title and starting pay rate of this position may vary based on years of experience. Those without patient care experience may be brought in at the Nursing Assistant title/salary.

ICU8 is an 18 bed critical care unit dedicated to the comprehensive care of patients with acute and critical Neurological conditions. Recognizing the complexity and sensitivity of neurologic disorders, our ICU is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by a multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, intensivists, nurses with specialized training in neurological care, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, and clinical pharmacists. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a holistic and collaborative strategy in managing complex neurological cases. Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of neurological illnesses, our team is committed to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for both patients and their families. Regular communication, education, and involvement in the decision-making process are integral components of our patient-centered approach. We work closely with other departments and healthcare providers to ensure a seamless continuum of care. Collaboration with rehabilitation services, outpatient clinics, and community resources is prioritized to support patients in their journey to recovery beyond the ICU. ICU8 stands as a beacon of hope and healing for those facing critical neurological challenges, delivering world-class care with compassion and dedication.

The Nursing Assistant/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), clean catch/mini catheter urine collection. In addition, Patient Care Technicians can apply simple dressings, 12 lead EKG, bladder scan, all specimen collections. All competencies must be achieved.

Candidates without previous PCT experience in a hospital-based setting will be required to attend a 3-day mandatory training course. This course is held during weekdays and daylight hours. All 3 days are mandatory and are scheduled in a structured classroom setting.

Responsibilities:

• Provides patient care including assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living.
• Assists with physical, respiratory and cardiopulmonary therapies.
• Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status.
• Performs the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care) AND 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.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
• Establishes appropriate and effective communication with other departments.
• Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
• Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays and transporting patients.
• Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director.
• Takes action to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
• Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
• Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.
• Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
• Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions.
• Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions.
• Suggests and supports changes within the department.
• Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges.
• Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
• Supports department based projects and quality initiatives.
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures.
• Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner.
• Completes department clerical functions as needed.
• Must routinely perform and be fully competent with the UPMC nursing core 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, hospital-acquired condition & patient safety indicator. In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections and ticket to ride (intra-hospital patient transportation).
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
• Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
• Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director or direct leader.
• Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
• Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions.
• Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
• Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.
• In addition to the required standard 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 arrythmia, 12-lead EKG, and NG tubes clamping and removal.