Patient Care Technician, Nursing Student - T12 Cardiology

UPMC; Fairview Township (York County); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC is seeking a Patient Care Technician to work alongside nurses and providers, building a robust clinical foundation and supporting RN education. The role emphasizes hands‑on patient care, vital signs monitoring, and participation in reports and safety protocols, with opportunities to expand advanced skills.

Ideal candidates are nursing students who have completed inpatient rotations or have healthcare experience and can commit to year‑round scheduling including varied shifts as school is in

Qualifications

• Must have completed at least one inpatient clinical rotation in nursing or have ≥1 year of healthcare experience.
• Candidates should be available year-round and commit to the schedule described in the posting.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care under RN/physician supervision, including assistance with activities of daily living.
• Monitor vitals, intake/output, and basic nursing tasks; assist with transport and patient comfort.
• Support with procedures such as specimen collection, basic dressings, and point‑of‑care testing as directed.
• Observe patient condition and communicate changes to the RN promptly.

Skills

ADLs support

Vital signs

Telemetry

Phlebotomy/venipuncture

Clinical observation

Education

Nursing student (in program)

Tools

Point-of-care testing devices

Telemetry monitors

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.