Patient Care Technician - Behavioral Health Unit

Socket.dev; Somerset (Somerset County); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Somerset is seeking a Full-time Patient Care Technician to join the Behavioral Health Team. The role provides routine patient care, supports nursing staff, and performs core nursing assistant tasks plus additional duties such as phlebotomy and EKG.

The 36-hour/week schedule includes variable 12-hour day shifts with rotating weekends and holidays. Applicants with healthcare or behavioral health backgrounds are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Experience or background in healthcare or behavioral health is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Provides patient care including assisting with procedures and activities of daily living.
• Performs core nursing assistant tasks and additional tasks such as phlebotomy, EKG, dressing, catheter removal, point of care testing, bladder scan, or IV catheter removal.
• Maintains patient safety and reports changes in patient status to the RN.
• Documents in the medical record and supports department operations.
• Supports changes within the department and participates in quality initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Patient care

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

EMT or Paramedic preferred

Basic information system training

Job description

UPMC Somerset is seeking a Full-time, Patient Care Technician to join our Behavioral Health Team!

The Patient Care Technician provides routine care and supports department services as directed by nurses or physicians, ensuring high-quality patient care. They perform core nursing assistant tasks (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections, Foley care) and at least four additional tasks such as phlebotomy, EKG, simple dressing, catheter removal, point of care testing, bladder scan, or IV catheter removal.

This 36-hour/week role requires working variable 12-hour shifts, mainly daylight, and also includes rotating weekends and holidays. Applicants with previous experience or a background in mental health are highly encouraged to apply!

*Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary from the PCT Career Ladder, based on their individual experience and education. Patient Care Technician rates start at $18.99/hr.

Responsibilities:

• Provides patient care including assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living. Assists with physical, respiratory and cardiopulmonary therapies. Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status.
• Performs the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care) AND at least four of the following BU identified tasks: phlebotomy, 12 lead EKG, simple dressing, Foley catheter removal, point of care testing, bladder scan, straight catheter, or IV catheter removal.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Establishes appropriate and effective communication with other departments. Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships. Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays and transporting patients.
• Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director. Takes action to improve knowledge, skills and performance. Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.
• Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information. Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions.
• Suggests and supports changes within the department. Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges. Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department. Supports department-based projects and quality initiatives.
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner. Completes department clerical functions as needed.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• If no previous hospital or pre-hospital training
  • Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class OR
  • Successful completion of EIC training program OR
  • Successful completion of first year of clinical work in a nursing program.
• Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Microcomputer experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran