Patient Care Technician-Psychiatric Full Time Days

Northwestern Medicine; Palos Park (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a dedicated Nursing Support role to provide basic patient care under RN supervision in a fast-paced unit.

The position requires CNA/MA/EMT background or nursing student with clinical exposure, plus BLS certification. You will assist with ADLs, monitor vitals, report changes, and help maintain a clean, organized patient environment while coordinating with the care team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• CNA/Certified Medical Assistant/EMT or nursing student with one semester of clinical completed.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Phlebotomy experience preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited CNA program or Phlebotomy course preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic nursing care activities as delegated by an RN, including monitoring vital signs and measuring blood glucose.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming and eating.
• Reports abnormal findings to nursing staff and documents care.
• Keeps patient rooms clean and orderly and supports unit workflow.
• Acts as liaison between patient care units and other departments.
• Responds to calls and communicates information to staff, family, or patient.
• Prioritizes tasks and maintains composure in stressful situations.
• Manages census and patient flow in coordination with RN in charge.

Skills

Vital signs

Glucose monitoring

Nursing assistance

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CNA/MA/EMT or nursing student with one semester

BLS (American Heart Association)

Job description

Description

See what our staff have to say about working at Northwestern Medicine!

It Takes a Team!

This position requires good solid CNA experience foundation no less than 6-months and then some experience taking care of behavioral health patients.

The Patient Care Tech reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the supervision of an RN performs basic patient care activities.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic nursing care activities as delegated and supervised by an RN, including monitoring vital signs, taking blood glucose measurements, and recording intake and output.
• Assists patients with tending to personal care and activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming and eating.
• Reports abnormal findings or changes in physical, mental and emotional conditions to nursing staff.
• Assists with keeping patient rooms clean and orderly.
• Demonstrates flexibility, organization, and multi-tasking. Able to function under stressful situations.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills to successfully demonstrate the ability to prioritize and complete unit work quickly as the needs of the unit, patients and staff change.
• Serves as liaison between patient care units and all other patient related departments.
• Answers telephone, intercom and call lights in a polite manner using appropriate telephone etiquette and communicates information to the appropriate staff/family/patient.
• Manages the overall unit workflow in concert with the charge RN and/or assistant manager, on an as needed basis.
• Performs pre-census and validates daily admission, discharge and census lists, on an as needed basis.

This position is full-time, 72 hours per pay period, day shift, 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with alternating weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Certified Nursing Assistant,Certified Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, or nursing school students with one semester of clinical completed
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)

Preferred

• Phlebotomy experience
• Graduate of an accredited Nursing Assistant program or Graduate of Phlebotomy course

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position)

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.