Patient Care Technician

Community Health Systems; Palmer (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems is seeking a Patient Care Technician to support nursing staff in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care under RN/LPN supervision. You will assist with activities of daily living, monitor vital signs, and help maintain a safe, organized care environment.

In this on-site role in Alaska, you will collect data such as vitals, glucose, and specimens, document findings, and communicate with the care team. CNA or CPCT credentials are preferred, with BCLS within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Experience in acute care or enrollment in a nursing program preferred.
• Proficiency in vital signs, measurements and basic care tasks.
• Knowledge of infection control and PPE usage.
• Ability to document data accurately and report to RN/LPN/LVN.

Responsibilities

• Assist nursing staff with delegated basic patient care.
• Record and report vital signs and measurements.
• Support meals, bathing, grooming, mobility and elimination needs.
• Position patients and assist with mobility aids safely.
• Collect specimens and monitor blood glucose per protocol.
• Communicate effectively with the care team and uphold safety.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment and PPE compliance.
• Participate in performance improvement and risk management.
• Maintain regular attendance and comply with hospital policies.

Skills

Vital signs collection

Patient care tasks

Infection control

Team communication

Documentation accuracy

Job description

Job Summary

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides high-quality, patient-centered care by performing delegated tasks in alignment with the PCT's training and the department's needs. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (LVN at Texas facilities), the PCT supports patient care by assisting with activities of daily living, maintaining a safe and organized care environment, and ensuring effective communication within the healthcare team.

Essential Functions

• Assists nursing staff in delivering care, performing delegated basic patient care services, and ensuring a clean, safe, and well-organized environment.
• Collects and records patient data, including vital signs, height, weight, oxygen saturation, intake/output, and calorie counts, reporting findings to the RN/LPN/LVN.
• Supports patients with meals, feeding, bathing, oral care, grooming, linen changes, skin care, elimination assistance, and urinary catheter care.
• Assists with patient positioning, repositioning, dangling, ambulating, and using mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs.
• Collects urine and stool samples and performs blood glucose monitoring via finger sticks, documenting and reporting results to the RN/LPN/LVN.
• Communicates patient information effectively to the care team, adapts to change, and maintains professionalism in all interactions.
• Maintains a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff, adhering to infection control and safety protocols, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, risk management reporting, and compliance with National Patient Safety Goals and Core Measures.
• May be required to maintain continuous visual observation of the patient and remains with them at all times unless relieved by appropriate personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in an acute care setting or currently enrolled in a Nursing program preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of patient care practices and equipment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to safety protocols.

Licenses and Certifications

• BCLS - Basic Life Support within 90 days of hire required
• CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant preferred or
• Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) preferred