*Patient Care Technician (PT, 24 hours/week) - Heart and Kidney Unit (July 2025 start)

Children's National Medical Center; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in pediatric healthcare is seeking compassionate Patient Care Technicians to join their dedicated team. In this vital role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide essential nursing care and support to young patients. Your responsibilities will include assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a safe and clean patient environment. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about making a difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic healthcare setting. If you are eager to contribute to a nurturing environment and support pediatric care, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience in a healthcare setting preferred, especially pediatrics.
• Completion of one semester clinical at an accredited nursing school.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic nursing care activities and maintain a safe patient care environment.
• Assist with activities of daily living and ensure proper nutrition.
• Document in nursing database and communicate effectively with RN.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Knowledge of aseptic technique

Human relations

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Nursing database

Job description

Description

In collaboration with the multidisciplinary healthcare team, under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, perform basic nursing care activities, maintain a safe, clean, and stocked patient care environment, assist staff, and help manage patient flow.

Qualifications

Minimum Education
High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
1 year experience in a healthcare setting preferred, especially pediatrics; completion of one semester clinical at an accredited nursing school or military corpsman training.

Required Skills/Knowledge
Basic computer skills (typing, mouse, email), knowledge of aseptic technique, basic calculations, human relations, and interpersonal skills.

Required Licenses and Certifications
Patient Care Technician (CPCT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or EMT (Required)
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (Required)

Functional Accountabilities

Patient Services - Admission

• Orient family to use of call lights, monitor, and unit.
• Set up monitors and alarms.
• Perform vital signs, height, weight, and head circumference measurements.

Patient Services - Daily Living

• Assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, skin care, mouth, and peri-care.
• Ensure proper nutrition as ordered.
• Care for tube feeding and feeding of patients.
• Apply skin creams as directed by RN.
• Collect cultures, urine, stool samples, etc.

Direct Patient Care

• Recognize and report pain and skin breakdown.
• Prioritize tasks and assist with special requests from RN.
• Assist in trach care, EVDs, central line dressing, pin care, cast and traction care, and care for dying patients.
• Prepare rooms for discharge and admission, maintain a neat environment, and obtain supplies.

Monitor Surveillance

• Observe and alert RN to monitor deviations.
• Follow monitor guidelines regarding dress code and professionalism.

Infection Control

• Care for isolation patients.
• Adhere to hand hygiene protocols before and after patient contact.
• Clean equipment after each use.

Documentation

• Document in nursing database, flow sheets, and vital signs timely; notify charge nurse as appropriate.

Communication/Professionalism

• Communicate effectively with RN and team, report changes, participate in shift reports.
• Maintain professional relationships, resolve conflicts appropriately, support family-centered care.
• Notify RN when leaving or returning to the unit.
• Demonstrate non-judgmental behavior.

Shared Leadership

• Stay informed about council meetings and unit issues.
• Participate in shared decision-making and support leadership decisions.

Safety

• Speak up about unsafe behaviors, verify information, pause to resolve uncertainties.
• Communicate clearly and promote safety for all.
• Practice Stop, Think, Act, and Review for self-checking.

Organizational Accountabilities

Self-Responsibility

• Follow hospital policies, remain on unit during shift, and use designated areas for breaks.
• Keep the work area organized, use downtime productively, attend mandatory training, and report shift details appropriately.

Organizational Commitment/Identification

• Uphold organizational mission and principles, value diversity, demonstrate integrity, and maintain confidentiality.

Customer Service

• Anticipate and respond to patient needs, follow up until met.

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate respectful collaboration, partner with team members, be receptive to ideas.

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive environment, be flexible, identify improvement opportunities, and use sound judgment.

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently and seek cost-effective solutions.