Patient Care Technician, Flex Unit, Per Diem (PD)

UMass Memorial Health; Leominster (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Memorial Health is seeking a Patient Care Technician I and II to assist in various patient care activities under the direction of licensed clinicians. Responsibilities include communicating patient observations, assisting with daily living activities, and maintaining patient safety.

Candidates must have a high school education, Basic Life Support certification, and the ability to remain calm under stress. This position supports a collaborative healthcare team and involves direct patient interaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school education or GED is required.
• BLS certification must be obtained within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear communication to nursing staff about patient observations.
• Assist with patient daily living activities like personal hygiene.
• Perform vital signs monitoring and documentation.
• Maintain a safe environment and handle high-risk patients.
• Support RNs with medical treatments and assist with patient emotional support.

Skills

Ability to read, write and communicate in English

Basic computer skills

Basic medical terminology knowledge

Strong interpersonal skills

Problem-solving abilities

Calm in stressful situations

Education

Minimum of a high school education or GED

Basic Life Support certification

Job description

Under the direction of the appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities. Receives workplace education and training to assist members of the healthcare team in the care of patients.

Major Responsibilities (PCT I)

• Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients, such as changes in skin condition, vital signs, and/or mental status.
• Provides constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment. Works to utilize interventions to de-escalate patients and, if unsuccessful, participates in restraints in accordance with training and education as directed.
• Assists patients with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals and nourishment.
• Assists in moving, lifting, positioning, and transporting patients by utilizing proper safety techniques and body mechanics in all work-related activities.

Position Qualifications – PCT I

License/Certification/Education

• Minimum of a high school education or GED.
• Basic Life Support certification within 30‑days as a condition of employment.

Experience/Skills

• Ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.
• Basic computer skills.
• Basic medical terminology knowledge.
• Must be able to remain calm when under stress or in emergency situations.

Major Responsibilities (PCT II)

• Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients, such as changes in skin condition, vital signs, and/or mental status.
• Provides constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment. Works to utilize interventions to de-escalate patients and, if unsuccessful, participates in restraints in accordance with training and education as directed.
• Assists patients with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals and nourishment.
• Assists in moving, lifting, positioning and transporting patients by utilizing proper safety techniques and body mechanics in all work-related activities.
• Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, utilizing fall prevention devices/strategies as directed, and following the Restrains Policy standards when caring for a restrained patient.
• Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pulse oxymetry). Measures and records patients’ height and weight.
• Performs EKGs, performs point‑of‑care (POC) tests and bladder scanning according to hospital standards. Collects, labels and prepares specimens for transport to lab.
• Phlebotomy in certain locations.
• Performs other selected unit‑specific procedures such as battery changes for telemetry units, checking status of unit equipment, cleaning equipment between patients and proper storage of supplies.
• Assists RN or licensed independent practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patient; obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, such as intravenous and hemodynamic lines, and utilizing sterile technique when indicated. Helps in positioning the patient and providing the patient with emotional support.
• Observes, measures, records oral food and fluid intake. Sets up full‑strength tube feeding solutions and refills tube feeding bags as directed. Empties and records output from foley catheters, ostomy appliances and drainage systems. Performs ostomy care on established ostomate patients as directed.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ needs by acting as a source of information and approaches all interactions with the intention of building positive rapport and relationships.
• Provides respectful, culturally and age‑appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors and others.
• Replenishes patient and unit supplies and equipment.
• Requests assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
• Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards and/or books, bulletin boards, posted notices and responds to UMMHC e‑mails on a regular basis.
• Has the ability to precept new Patient Care Technicians.

Position Qualifications – PCT II

License/Certification/Education

• Minimum of a high school education or GED.
• Current Basic Life Support.

Experience/Skills

• Demonstrated competency attainment in the Patient Care Technician I level, work a minimum of 800 hours and at least 6 months as a PCA I.
• Prior inpatient/outpatient care experience or clinical care training.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.
• Medical terminology.
• Computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to gather information from individuals, build relationships that support collaborative work within the department and across the organization, and provide exceptional service to patients.
• Must have proven problem‑solving abilities for routine situations.
• Must be able to remain calm when under stress or in emergency situations.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

Position requires work indoors in a patient care environment. Hand dexterity, hearing, and vision are required to take direction from a patient or provider, adjust equipment, observe and describe patient observations. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Work is of heavy demand, standing and walking most of the time with the possibility of pushing heavy equipment and bending frequently.

Equal Opportunity Employment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We strive to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health and encourage applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.