Patient Care Technician — 5W Brain, Stroke & Spine | Days

Howard University Hospital; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 54,443,000 - 87,108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Tuition remission

Comprehensive benefits

Career development

Job summary

Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC invites applications for a Patient Care Technician on the 5W Brain, Stroke & Spine unit (NIGHTS). The role provides direct, hands-on care to patients requiring telemetry monitoring under RN/LPN supervision.

The position emphasizes ADL support, vital sign observation, and infection control within a fast-paced academic medical center. Pay ranges $19.00–$30.40/hr under Local 2094; full-time, night shift, three 12-hour shifts weekly, with every other

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current, active PCT certification by the DC Board of Nursing required.
• BLS certification through the American Heart Association required.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical tasks within the PCT scope of practice under supervision (e.g., peripheral IV insertion/discontinuation, EKGs, phlebotomy, fingerstick glucose, catheters).
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and repositioning per RN direction.
• Promptly respond to monitor alarms and report findings to the RN.
• Observe and report vital signs, intake/output, and symptoms to the RN.
• Conduct hourly rounding to anticipate and address patient needs.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Patient Care Technician - 5W Brain, Stroke & Spine | NIGHTS

Howard University Hospital - Washington, DC

About The Role

As a Patient Care Technician In the Brain, Stroke & Spine Unit (5W) at Howard University Hospital, you will provide direct, hands-on care to patients with cardiac and complex medical conditions requiring continuous telemetry monitoring. Working under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or other licensed health care professional, you will perform clinical tasks within the Patient Care Technician scope of practice, support patients with activities of daily living, observe and report vital signs and patient-reported symptoms, and serve as a vital member of the care team.

If you are a Patient Care Technician looking to grow your skills in a dynamic cardiac care environment at one of the nation’s most storied academic medical centers, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

What You'll Do

• Perform clinical tasks within the Patient Care Technician scope of practice, under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or licensed health care professional - including peripheral IV insertion and discontinuation, administering electrocardiograms (EKGs), phlebotomy and specimen collection, fingerstick blood glucose testing, urinary catheter insertion and discontinuation, oxygen equipment monitoring, pulse oximetry, incentive spirometry, application of elastic stockings and sequential compression devices, and elimination procedures
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, ambulation, transfers, toileting, and special skin care; reposition patients per RN direction
• Promptly respond to monitor alarms by checking on the patient and notifying the RN
• Observe vital signs, intake/output, and general patient condition; promptly report patient-stated symptoms (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness) and any abnormal values to the RN without delay
• Perform purposeful hourly rounding to anticipate and respond to patient needs, ensuring comfort, safety, and timely call light response
• Document patient care, vital signs, intake/output, and observations accurately in the electronic health record
• Practice infection control protocols including Standard Precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE); maintain clean and safe patient care areas
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary care team and contribute to a positive, patient-centered unit culture
• Adhere to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, HUH Code of Ethics, HIPAA, and all institutional policies; maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Current, active certification as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to multi-task

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) months or more of prior PCT experience in an acute care hospital setting
• Experience in cardiology, telemetry, or medical-surgical nursing units
• Experience caring for patients on continuous cardiac monitoring in an acute care setting

Position Details

Department

Patient Care Technician - 5W Brain, Stroke & Spine | NIGHTS

Reports To Nurse Manager FLSA Status Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit Local 2094 Schedule Full-Time | Night Shift | 7:30 PM - 8:00 AM | Three (3) 12-hour shifts per week (36 hours) Weekend Requirement Every other weekend required

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $19.00 - $30.40/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 - when it operated as Freedmen’s Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere - HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children - up to two (2) courses per semester
• A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.