Patient Care Technician, Nursing Student - T12 Cardiology

UPMC; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC is seeking nursing students to join the Patient Care Technician team. You will work closely with nurses to deliver compassionate care and develop clinical foundations supporting RN education and future practice.

Preferred candidates have completed an inpatient clinical rotation or have at least 1 year of healthcare experience. This role requires commitment to 12 hours every 6-week period when school is in session and 36 hours every 6-week period when not, with year-round availability.

Qualifications

• Completed at least one inpatient clinical rotation in nursing or equivalent experience.
• Prefer candidates with at least 1 year of healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine and advanced patient care under supervision of a nurse or physician.
• Perform essential ADLs such as bathing, feeding, toileting, transporting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
• Take vital signs, weights, and input/output; assist with basic nursing tasks.
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Report changes or concerns to the RN in a timely manner.

Skills

Clinical rotation

Healthcare experience

Job description

If you’re a nursing student eager to build hands‑on clinical experience, grow your skills, and be part of a supportive care team year‑round, this role is for you. Our Patient Care Technicians work closely with nurses and providers to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care while developing strong clinical foundations that support RN education and future practice.

We prefer candidates who have completedat least one inpatient clinical rotationin their nursing program or who have at least 1 year of healthcare experience.

This position requires working12 hours every 6‑week scheduling period when school is in sessionand36 hours every 6‑week scheduling period when school is not in session. We are seeking students who can commityear‑round.

Purpose

The Patient Care Technician provides routine and advanced patient care under the direction of a nurse or physician, helping ensure the highest quality of care and supporting the smooth operation of the department. This role allows nursing students to apply classroom learning in a real clinical environment while gaining exposure to diverse patient needs and essential nursing skills.

Core Responsibilities

Direct Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Perform essential ADLs such as bathing, feeding, toileting, transporting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
• Complete key nursing support tasks including:
  • Vital signs, weights, intake & output
  • Point‑of‑care testing (including blood glucose)
  • Telemetry application/reapplication
  • HAC/PSI prevention measures (TEDs/SCDs)
  • Simple dressings
  • Specimen collections
  • Bladder scanning
  • Restraint application/removal per protocol
  • “Ticket to Ride” transport safety process
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Observe patient condition and report changes or concerns directly to the RN.

Advanced Skills (Department‑Dependent)

With competency training, you may also perform one or more advanced skills:

• Phlebotomy/venipuncture
• Peripheral IV removal
• Foley catheter removal
• Basic arrhythmia monitoring
• 12‑lead ECG
• NG tube clamping and removal

Communication, Teamwork & Professional Growth

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and professionalism in all interactions.
• Build strong working relationships through accountability, enthusiasm, and a focus on patient‑centered care.
• Provide instruction to patients and families as directed by the RN.
• Participate in feedback discussions, self‑review, and ongoing skill development.
• Seek support in prioritizing tasks as needed and actively identify learning opportunities.

Unit Support & Safety

• Respond to call lights, telephones, and assist with general unit activities such as passing meal trays and transporting patients.
• Report equipment issues promptly.
• Follow all hospital and safety policies, including infection control and standard precautions.
• Document patient care accurately and timely.
• Support department projects, workflow improvements, and quality initiatives.

Administrative & Additional Duties

• Assist with clerical tasks as needed.
• Perform duties efficiently and professionally.
• Meet system-wide competencies and complete other tasks as assigned.