Patient Care Tech, PCT - Medical 3 Step Down Unit

Tufts Medicine; Melrose (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Tufts Medicine seeks a Nursing Support professional at MelroseWakefield Hospital to provide direct patient care under RN supervision. The role includes basic care, vital signs, hygiene, and documentation, with opportunities for skill development in point-of-care testing and patient observation.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and BLS, with preferred background in healthcare and nursing assistance. Competitive pay and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Four years of healthcare experience and nursing service experience (preferred).
• Certified patient care / clinical associate / certified nursing assistant or equivalent (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care under RN supervision.
• Performs vital signs, hygiene, mobility activities, and routine assessments.
• Documents procedures and patient information accurately.
• Sets up equipment for treatments, dressings, tests and procedures.
• Offers compassionate patient and family assistance and replies to call lights.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Computer experience

Medical terminology

Asepsis technique

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Job description

• This 28 bed unit cares primarily for cardiac patients in need of cardiac catheterizations, post STEMI/angioplasty, NSTEMI, post pacemaker insertion, CHF, Atrial Fibrillation, and other cardiac arrhythmias, along with hyper/hypotensive patients not meeting ICU admission criteria.
• Neurological, renal, GI and patients withdrawing from substance abuse are also placed on this floor.
• Patients can be on high flow oxygen, continuous bipap, with continuous oxygen saturation monitoring.
• Patients transferring out of ICU are often cared for on this floor as well.
• The nurse patient ratio is less than on the med/surg floors, allowing for patient to be more closely monitored.

Unit Summary

• This 28 bed unit cares primarily for cardiac patients in need of cardiac catheterizations, post STEMI/angioplasty, NSTEMI, post pacemaker insertion, CHF, Atrial Fibrillation, and other cardiac arrhythmias, along with hyper/hypotensive patients not meeting ICU admission criteria.
• Neurological, renal, GI and patients withdrawing from substance abuse are also placed on this floor.
• Patients can be on high flow oxygen, continuous bipap, with continuous oxygen saturation monitoring.
• Patients transferring out of ICU are often cared for on this floor as well.
• The nurse patient ratio is less than on the med/surg floors, allowing for patient to be more closely monitored.

Hours

36 hours/week, Day shift 7a-7p

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing professional and nonprofessional nursing care services in accordance with physician orders. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Nursing Support duties: Provides basic care services to patients, but does not have an RN or LPN license. Positions in this nursing support work under the direction of physicians, mid-level practitioners, and may work under the direction of registered nurses depending on their unit. A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. An experienced level role requiring basic knowledge of job procedures and tools obtained through work experience and requiring vocational or technical education. Works under moderate supervision, works through problems of a routine nature, but may at times require interpretation or deviation from standard procedures and communicates information that requires some explanation or interpretation.

Job Overview

Responsible for direct care of patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Adheres to policies, procedures and standards of practice. Supports the flow of care on the unit and performs unit secretary duties as assigned.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of healthcare experience and nursing service experience.
• Certified patient care / clinical associate / certified nursing assistant or equivalent.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides direct care for patients including, but not limited to, personal hygiene, elimination, catheter care, vital signs, and skin care and mobility activities. Documents according to procedure.
• Reinforces belongings policy with patients and families, documents appropriately, and secures them according to procedure.
• Provides nutritional support assisting with feedings as needed. Documents I&O and weight as required.
• Performs selected and therapeutic procedures as outlined in competency and skills check list.
• Cooperates with members of the healthcare team to achieve departmental objectives and maintain good employee, inter-departmental and public relations.
• Sets up equipment for and/or assists physicians/clinicians with treatments, dressings, tests, etc., as assigned.
• Performs 12 lead EKG. Documents patient information on EKG sheet. Gives EKG promptly to appropriate nurse or physician.
• Obtains, documents, processes and accurately labels all specimens according the HHS policy at the bedside. If needed, transports specimens in a timely manner.
• Completes annual point of care test in a timely manner.
• Participates in purposeful hourly rounding of patients in accordance with standards of excellence.
• Observes and communicates general physical and emotional status of patients. Keeps RN informed of care delivered and patient’s response. Reports any change in patient condition to RN in a timely manner.
• Ensures proper identification by verifying wristband and date of birth prior to providing any care or performing any test or treatment. Notifies RN when wristband is missing.
• Responsible for information shared at all staff meetings.
• Functions in the role of patient observer following all roles and responsibilities as assigned.
• Answers patients’ call lights in a timely and courteous manner. Uses AIDET when communicating with patients and families. (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You).
• Adheres to precaution measures for the safety of patients, visitors and hospital personnel. Maintains basic principles of infection control.
• Demonstrates appropriate actions and understanding of role in all codes and disaster situations.
• Assists in administering post mortem care.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting up to 30-35 lbs and turning patients. Prolonged standing and walking. Occasional twisting, bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, sitting, kneeling, and squatting.
• Manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation for performing procedures to operate computer keyboard.
• Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend medical terminology.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Able to work with detailed, confidential material.
• Computer experience.
• Demonstrates knowledge of asepsis technique and utilizes sterile technique when indicated.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in performing all point of care testing done on the unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in providing age appropriate care to population served.

What We Offer

• Competitive salaries & benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free parking

About MelroseWakefield Hospital

MelroseWakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford are two campuses with one community in mind: the people of north suburban Boston. MelroseWakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital are distinguished by the range of high-quality clinical care and services. Our teams welcome everyone with hospitality and humanity. We focus on reducing health disparities through 40+ local health programs across a system of hospitals, urgent care locations, outpatient services, and community physicians.

Core to our values, MelroseWakefield Healthcare’s commitment to community is demonstrated by our many local health programs throughout our service area and participation in partnerships with community agencies and events, and education programs in more than 10 communities to support the wellness and health of our residents.

About Tufts Medicine

A healthcare system that works Tufts Medicine is more than a health system - we’re a community that empowers people to live their best lives by reimagining healthcare, advancing knowledge and pioneering discovery. Every team member plays an integral role in realizing our vision of creating the most equitable and frictionless healthcare experience in the world. Here, you’ll join an enthusiastic community that champions your growth and receive generous benefits to support you and your family’s well-being.

Tufts Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth - one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range

$19.77 - $24.57