Patient Care Technician I/II, Geriatric Medical Psych, Float, Per Diem

UMass Memorial Health; Clinton (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 33,737; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is hiring for a Patient Care Technician in Clinton, Massachusetts. The role involves assisting patients with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and providing compassionate care. Candidates need a high school diploma and BLS certification. Interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential. The position offers a hiring range of $15.00 – $24.49, mixed 8-hour shifts, and requires lifting up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required.
• Basic Life Support certification must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Prior inpatient/outpatient care experience or clinical training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear communication to RN regarding patient observations.
• Assist patients with daily living activities.
• Maintain patient safety and perform necessary checks.
• Take and record vital signs.
• Perform EKGs and collect lab specimens.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to patient needs.

Skills

Ability to read, write, and communicate in English

Basic computer skills

Basic medical terminology knowledge

Ability to remain calm under stress

Strong interpersonal skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

High school diploma or GED

Basic Life Support certification

Job description

Are you an internal caregiver, student, or contingent worker/agency worker at UMass Memorial Health? Apply through your Workday account.

Job Details

Exemption Status: Non‑Exempt

Hiring Range: $15.00 – $24.49 (final offer may vary within this range based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.)

Schedule Details: Holidays – one major summer holiday, one major winter holiday. Weekends – every fourth weekend.

Hours: Mixed 8‑hour shifts.

Patient Care Technician Responsibilities

• Provide clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes in patients (skin condition, vital signs, mental status).
• Provide constant observation of high‑risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of a safe environment; use interventions to de‑escalate patients and, if unsuccessful, participate in restraints per training and education.
• Assist patients with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals, and nourishment.
• Assist in moving, lifting, positioning, and transporting patients using proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
• Maintain patient safety by performing safety checks, utilizing fall prevention devices and strategies, and following the Restraint Policy for restrained patients.
• Take and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, pulse oximetry); measure and record patient height and weight.
• Perform EKGs, Point‑of‑Care (POC) tests, and bladder scanning; collect, label, and prepare specimens for transport to lab.
• Perform 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.
• Assist the RN/LiP with treatments and procedures by preparing the patient, setting up equipment and supplies, performing sterile technique when indicated, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward.
• Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; set up and refuel tube feeding solutions; empty and record output from Foley catheter, ostomy appliances, and drainage systems; perform ostomy care for established patients.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to patient needs by acting as a source of information and building positive rapport.
• Provide respectful, culturally and age‑appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors, and others.
• Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment as needed.
• Request assistance from identified resources when more direction is required.
• Keep current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards, bulletin boards, posted notices, and UMMHC e‑mails on a regular basis.
• Precept new Patient Care Technicians (required for advanced levels).
• Perform phlebotomy in designated areas (required for advanced levels).

Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities

• Comply with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed.
• Demonstrate use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
• Comply with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
• Respect diverse views and approaches; demonstrate Standards of Respect; contribute to an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility, and acceptance.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
• Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Position Qualifications

License/Certification/Education:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
• Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire (or current Basic Life Support).

Experience/Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
• Basic computer skills.
• Basic medical terminology knowledge.
• Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
• For advanced levels: demonstrated competency at the PCT I level with a minimum of 800 hours of experience and at least 6 months as a PCA I.
• Prior inpatient/outpatient care experience or clinical training.
• Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build collaborative relationships, and provide exceptional service to patients.
• Proven problem‑solving abilities for routine situations.
• For advanced levels: ability to precept new Patient Care Technicians.

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the above requirements.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

Position requires working indoors in a patient care environment. Requires hand dexterity, hearing, and vision ability to follow directions from patients or providers. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Work demands are heavy, requiring standing and walking most of the time, with frequent pushing of equipment and bending.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.