Overview
Under the direction of the appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities. They receive workplace education and training to assist members of the healthcare team in the care of patients. This position may include a signing bonus.
UMass Memorial Health seeks dedicated caregivers who provide exceptional patient care within a supportive team environment.
Responsibilities
- Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients.
- Provides constant observation of high‑risk patients as assigned.
- Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment and utilizes interventions to de‑escalate patients.
- Assists patients with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals, and nourishment.
- Assists in moving, lifting, positioning, and transporting patients by utilizing proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
- Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, utilizing fall prevention strategies, and following restraint policy standards.
- Takes and records vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry.
- Performs EKGs, point‑of‑care tests, bladder scans, and phlebotomy as required.
- Collects, labels, and prepares specimens for transport to laboratory.
- Assesses and records oral food and fluid intake, and manages tube feeding as directed.
- Performs patient care procedures such as intravenous line and hemodynamic line setup when indicated.
- Observes, measures, and records patient output from Foley catheter, ostomy appliances, and drainage systems.
- Provides respectful, culturally and age‑appropriate communication.
- Replenishes patient and unit supplies and equipment.
- Requests assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
- Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards and responding to e‑mails.
- Has ability to precept new Patient Care Technicians.
Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities
- Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
- Attends meetings, conferences, seminars as required.
- Demonstrates use of quality improvement in daily operations.
- Complies with health and safety regulations.
- Respects diverse views and promotes a professional, inclusive environment.
- Maintains regular, reliable attendance.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Position Qualifications
Patient Care Technician I
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly.
- Basic computer skills.
- Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
- Remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Patient Care Technician II
- Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
- Current Basic Life Support certification.
- Demonstrated competency at Patient Care Technician I level, with minimum 800 hours and at least 6 months as PCA I.
- Prior inpatient/outpatient care experience or clinical training.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly.
- Knowledge of medical terminology.
- Computer skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills for teamwork and patient service.
- Proven problem‑solving abilities for routine situations.
- Remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.
Physical Demands: work indoors in a patient care environment; hand dexterity, hearing and vision needed; must lift up to 50 pounds; heavy demand with standing, walking, pushing heavy equipment, bending.
EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other status protected by law.
Accessibility
If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond promptly.