Patient Care Technician - JRI - BTU - P/T with Benefits Days

Hackensack Meridian Health; Edison (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Hackensack Meridian Health is seeking a dedicated Patient Care Technician for its Brain Trauma Unit. This role involves providing compassionate care to patients recovering from brain injuries, facilitating their rehabilitation efforts through effective communication and collaboration with nursing staff. Ideal candidates should possess a high school diploma, relevant certifications, and exemplary patient care skills.

Qualifications

• Must complete AHA Basic Health Care Life Support (BLS) certification upon onboarding.
• Experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Ability to quickly learn and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care and support for physical and psychosocial needs.
• Monitor patient status and communicate effectively with healthcare team.
• Assist with admission processes, hygiene care, and clinical data collection.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Completion of CNA, PCT, or Fundamentals of Nursing program

Job description

Overview

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health, we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

Join Our Brain Trauma Unit at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute

JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, ranked among the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, is seeking dedicated professionals to join our Brain Trauma Unit, an acute inpatient program providing comprehensive care for adults recovering from brain injuries. Our unit uses an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to support patients and their families. At the heart of our care is exceptional rehabilitation nursing, ensuring that patients’ medical and functional needs are met with expertise and compassion. Our nurses work closely with the team to manage complex conditions, deliver personalized care, and promote recovery.

In addition to nursing, the Brain Trauma Unit offers intensive rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy, neuropsychology, social work, and rehabilitation medicine. Patients admitted to the unit are medically stable and ready to engage in a personalized plan designed to restore function and independence. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and contributing to an exceptional standard of care, consider joining our dedicated team. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for recovery and success.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of Patient Care Technician at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Providing patient care based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the guests/patients served in assigned service.
• Ensuring effective and safe guest/patient outcomes through practice, judgment, and critical actions. Ongoing communication with patients, nursing colleagues, and other members of the healthcare team regarding patient’s status and care provided.
• Taking self-directed or self-motivated initiative to do more than expected or required in the job, acting proactively to improve job performance or create new opportunities.
• Participating in interdisciplinary collaboration of the patient's care plan from admission to discharge to ensure safe transitioning and continuum of care.
• Welcoming patients and checking for proper identification bracelets.
• Preparing patients for assessment/admission, physical examination, and procedures.
• Recognizing and responding to opportunities to enhance patient satisfaction.
• Demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients on the unit.
• Obtaining clinical data such as temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, O2 saturation, documenting findings, and notifying RN of abnormal results.
• Drawing blood from patients using proper aseptic techniques, ensuring proper labeling and processing of specimens.
• Performing venipuncture for laboratory tests and EKGs as directed.
• Ensuring the presence, functionality, and cleanliness of all necessary equipment, maintaining emergency medical supplies.
• Applying bandages, slings, compression boots, and hypothermia blankets as directed by RN.
• Assisting in patient transport, preparation, and ensuring the environment is ready for admission.
• Providing hygiene and comfort care, including bathing, toileting, oral hygiene, incontinent care, and bed making.
• Assisting with dressing, belongings management, and monitoring patient weights and intake/output.
• Providing post-mortem care and ensuring patient safety by promptly responding to call lights and communicating changes to RN.
• Modifying and delivering care based on patient needs, including cultural, language, hearing, and visual impairments.
• Performing other duties and projects as assigned, adhering to organizational standards.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Completion of CNA, PCT, or Fundamentals of Nursing program from an accredited school, or equivalent medical experience such as EMT, Home Health Aide, CMA, MA, PCT, Nursing Assistant.
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt, and work as part of a team, with a focus on patient care and ongoing education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or certification in phlebotomy, EKG, vitals, and blood sugar testing.
• At least one year of PCT or CNA experience in a hospital setting.
• Completion of a PCT program including Phlebotomy, EKG, and nursing assistant training.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification (must be obtained by onboarding).

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!