Patient Care Tech - Short Stay Observation Unit (0.6 Weekend Option Nights)

Mercycare; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercycare is hiring a Patient Care Technician to support patient-centered care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Duties include safe patient handling, accurate handoffs, and real-time documentation.

The role emphasizes communication, privacy, and efficient task prioritization in a fast-paced setting. Prior CNA or health-support training is preferred, with emphasis on safety and compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent; CNA/Health Support certification preferred.
• Healthcare training or active enrollment in a related program is advantageous.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe and effective patient care under licensed nurse supervision.
• Communicate patient information during handoffs and with family and co-workers.
• Document patient care in real time and maintain patient privacy.
• Observe changes in patient condition and report to the licensed nurse.
• Prioritize daily tasks and support department needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensure room and department cleanliness and readiness for procedures.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Phone etiquette

Multitasking

Stress management

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CNA/Health Support cert program (preferred)

2 years in a bachelor’s program (preferred)

Tools

Computer navigation

Job description

**Summary**This position supports Mercy’s philosophy of patient centered care by providing safe and effective patient care by performing tasks and support functions under the supervision of a Licensed Nurse. Patient Care Technicians may fulfill an expanded role by performing additional tasks and responsibilities as delegated by their department.**Job Description****Job Duties*** Ensure that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed.* Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcome* Provide safe and effective patient care under the supervision of the licensed nurse by performing tasks and support functions as delegated by department* Observe and communicate to the licensed nurse any changes in patient condition and pertinent information regarding the needs of the patient and/or significant others* Demonstrate effective and age-appropriate communication as well as the ability to understand the needs of the patient including non-verbal communication, fears, anxieties and language/cultural barriers* Maintains accurate and real time documentation of patient care provided* Assures patient privacy by knocking on doors, closing curtains and protecting patient information* Responds within scope of practice to emergencies and life-threatening conditions* Demonstrates support for changes in practice designed to improve performance.* Organize and prioritize daily work, taking into account the needs of patients, families and other health care workers* Maintain cleanliness and organization of patient rooms and department work areas* Assist in identifying quality improvement opportunities and demonstrate support for changes in practice designed to improve performance* Ability to prioritize tasks, identify needs for changes in priorities and takes the initiative to recommend and implement changes in concert with their supervisor.* Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.**Department Specific Duties**Short Stay Observation Unit:* Obtains equipment and CPMs needed for patients, with correct set up and removal as per physician orders and/or delegated to.* Prepares rooms and pre-operative beds for surgery as trained and delegated to.* Participates in regular stocking of supplies in patient rooms and alcoves as required by dept. standards.* Demonstrates competency in computer navigation to access and find needed information effectively and efficiently as evidenced in hand-offs and documentation. **Knowledge, Skills and Abilities*** Role Models exemplary customer service skills including verbal and non-verbal skills and proper phone etiquette* Creates a welcoming environment for all healthcare team members.* Demonstrates the ability to provide safe and effective patient care* Must have the ability to remain focused in stressful situations and perform multiple tasks quickly. **Professional Experience*** Previous Patient Care Tech or Certified Nursing Assistant experience preferred **Education*** High School diploma or equivalent preferred* In addition, ONE of the following is preferred: + completion of a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Health Support Professional program + a minimum of 2 years in a baccalaureate program + one year in an Associate's Degree in Nursing program + comparable education, training and experience in the absence of successful completion of a CNA or Health Support Professional program **Licensure, Certification, Registration*** Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support, in accordance with the American Heart Association required.* Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse and Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required. Employee must submit certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date. **Physical Requirements**Heavy: Exert 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 25-50 lbs. of force frequently**Pay Rate Type**Hourly