Nursing Student Clinical Care Technician - Hands-On

UPMC; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Altoona seeks a Patient Care Technician-in-training to support nurses and providers in delivering compassionate patient care while developing essential clinical skills. This role emphasizes hands-on experience and RN education exposure in a dynamic hospital setting.

Applicants should have completed at least one inpatient clinical rotation and be able to commit year-round, with scheduling of 12 hours every 6 weeks when school is in session and 36 hours every 6 weeks when not.

Qualifications

• Nursing student with clinical rotation experience preferred.
• Must be able to commit year-round and meet scheduling expectations.
• Support RN education and provide patient care under nurse supervision.

Responsibilities

• Direct patient care and clinical support including ADLs, vital signs, and specimen collection.
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Report changes to the RN and document care accurately.
• Coordinate with the healthcare team and participate in safety and quality initiatives.

Skills

Vital signs

Telemetry

Phlebotomy

Communication

Job description

If you’re a nursing student eager to build hands‑on clinical experience, grow your skills, and be part of a supportive care team year‑round, this role is for you. Our Patient Care Technicians work closely with nurses and providers to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care while developing strong clinical foundations that support RN education and future practice.

We prefer candidates who have completed at least one inpatient clinical rotation in their nursing program, however, candidates will be placed into the appropriate job title and salary grade based on experience & education.

This position requires working 12 hours every 6‑week scheduling period when school is in session and 36 hours every 6‑week scheduling period when school is not in session. We are seeking students who can commit year‑round.

Purpose

The Patient Care Technician provides routine and advanced patient care under the direction of a nurse or physician, helping ensure the highest quality of care and supporting the smooth operation of the department. This role allows nursing students to apply classroom learning in a real clinical environment while gaining exposure to diverse patient needs and essential nursing skills.

Core Responsibilities

Direct Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Perform essential ADLs such as bathing, feeding, toileting, transporting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
• Complete key nursing support tasks including:
  • Vital signs, weights, intake & output
  • Point‑of‑care testing (including blood glucose)
  • Telemetry application/reapplication
  • HAC/PSI prevention measures (TEDs/SCDs)
  • Simple dressings
  • Specimen collections
  • Bladder scanning
  • Restraint application/removal per protocol
  • “Ticket to Ride” transport safety process
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Observe patient condition and report changes or concerns directly to the RN.

Advanced Skills (Department‑Dependent)

With competency training, you may also perform one or more advanced skills:

• Phlebotomy/venipuncture
• Peripheral IV removal
• Foley catheter removal
• Basic arrhythmia monitoring
• 12‑lead ECG
• NG tube clamping and removal

Communication, Teamwork & Professional Growth

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and professionalism in all interactions.
• Build strong working relationships through accountability, enthusiasm, and a focus on patient‑centered care.
• Provide instruction to patients and families as directed by the RN.
• Participate in feedback discussions, self‑review, and ongoing skill development.
• Seek support in prioritizing tasks as needed and actively identify learning opportunities.

Unit Support & Safety

• Respond to call lights, telephones, and assist with general unit activities such as passing meal trays and transporting patients.
• Report equipment issues promptly.
• Follow all hospital and safety policies, including infection control and standard precautions.
• Document patient care accurately and timely.
• Support department projects, workflow improvements, and quality initiatives.

Administrative & Additional Duties

• Assist with clerical tasks as needed.
• Perform duties efficiently and professionally.
• Meet system‑wide competencies and complete other tasks as assigned.