Patient Care Technician - ED - PRN

Lutheran Health Network; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Health Network in Fort Wayne, IN seeks a Patient Care Technician to provide compassionate, patient-centered support under RN/LPN supervision. The role emphasizes assisting with activities of daily living, maintaining a safe care environment, and effective communication within the healthcare team.

Responsibilities include taking vital signs, documenting data, helping with meals and hygiene, aiding mobility, collecting samples, and ensuring infection control and PPE compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience with basic patient care tasks and equipment.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong organization and documentation skills.
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist nursing staff with delegated basic patient care.
• Record vital signs and report changes to RN/LPN.
• Support meals, bathing, grooming, mobility and hygiene.
• Assist with positioning and mobility aids.
• Collect samples and monitor blood glucose per protocol.
• Maintain infection control and PPE compliance.
• Communicate effectively within the care team.
• Attend performance improvement and safety initiatives.

Skills

Basic patient care

Multitasking

Communication skills

Team player

Infection control

Education

0-2 years acute care or nursing program

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