Patient Care Technician - Oncology Unit

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC St. Margaret’s 5A Oncology Unit seeks a dedicated Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician to support patients in a fast-paced cancer care environment. You will perform ADLs, assist with therapies, and collaborate with the nursing team to maintain high-quality care.

Rotating 12-hour shifts are required (6:00 AM–6:00 PM or 6:00 PM–6:00 AM) with weekend and holiday coverage to ensure continuity of care for patients in need.

Qualifications

• Compassionate patient care mindset.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and follow RN instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning.
• Support physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Provide feedback to the RN and promptly report changes in patient status.
• Offer patient and family instruction under RN supervision.
• Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints per physician or hospital protocol.

Job description

Join UPMC St. Margaret’s 5A Oncology Unit as a Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician, where compassion meets excellence in cancer care. In this vital role, you’ll provide hands‑on support to patients and collaborate closely with our skilled nursing team to deliver exceptional care. This position offers rotating 12-hour shifts (6:00 AM–6:00 PM or 6:00 PM–6:00 AM) and includes weekend and holiday requirements, ensuring continuity of care for patients when they need it most.

About 5A Oncology

The 5A Oncology Unit specializes in comprehensive care for patients undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, symptom management, and supportive therapies. Our team is dedicated to creating a healing environment that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and personalized care. In addition to oncology services, the unit manages complex medical needs, requiring strong teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning.
• Support physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Provide feedback to the RN and promptly report changes in patient status.
• Offer patient and family instruction under RN supervision.
• Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints per physician or hospital protocol.

Core Clinical Tasks

• Perform UPMC Nursing Assistant core responsibilities:
  • Vital signs, blood glucose checks, weights, intake/output, specimen collection, Foley care, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, and patient safety checks.
• Complete at least four of the following tasks:
  • Phlebotomy, 12-lead EKG, simple dressing changes, Foley catheter removal, point-of-care testing, bladder scan, straight catheterization, or IV catheter removal.

Advanced Skills (as needed)

• Maintain competency in one or more advanced skills based on department needs:
  • Phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley removal, basic arrhythmia recognition, 12-lead EKG, NG tube clamping/removal.

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
• Establish professional, respectful relationships with colleagues, patients, and families.
• Respond to unit needs, including answering call lights, phones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.

Safety & Compliance

• Report equipment malfunctions promptly.
• Adhere to all hospital policies, safety protocols, and standard precautions.
• Support department initiatives, quality improvement projects, and process changes.

Professional Development

• Accept feedback constructively and take action to improve skills and performance.
• Identify learning needs and seek assistance in planning and prioritizing tasks.
• Participate in self-review and ongoing education.

Documentation

• Accurately document patient care in the medical record according to established procedures.
• Complete clerical tasks as needed.

This position is posted as a Patient Care Technician, which is a valued step in UPMC's Patient Care Support Career Ladder. The final candidate will be placed in the appropriate title and salary based on experience and education.