Patient Care Tech - Short Stay Observation Unit (0.9 Day/Eve)

Mercycare; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercycare is seeking a Patient Care Technician to support licensed nurses in delivering safe, high-quality patient care. The role emphasizes accurate handoffs, real-time documentation, and compassionate communication with patients and families.

Candidates should have a HS diploma, CNA or Health Support program, or related nursing program experience. The position requires adherence to safety guidelines and the ability to handle stressful situations with professionalism.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required/ preferred.
• CNA or Health Support Professional program preferred.
• May consider 2 years in a baccalaureate program.
• One year in an Associate’s Degree in Nursing program or comparable education.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, effective patient care under supervision of licensed nurse.
• Communicate patient information clearly during handoffs and to family and co-workers.
• Document patient care in real time and protect patient privacy.
• Respond to emergencies within scope of practice and follow safety guidelines.
• Assist in organizing daily workflow, prioritize patient needs and maintain room cleanliness.
• Identify opportunities for quality improvement and support changes in practice.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

multitasking

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma

CNA or Health Support Program

2 years bachelor’s program

1 year ADN or assoc. degree in nursing

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