Job Overview
Under the direction of the appropriate licensed clinician, the Patient Care Technician I performs a variety of patient care activities.
Salary range: $15.00 - $24.49 per hour. Position is non‑exempt. Scheduled shifts are 12 hours with holidays and weekends alternating. Total weekly hours are 36.
Responsibilities
- Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients (e.g., skin condition, vital signs, mental status).
- Provides constant observation of high‑risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee.
- Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment; utilizes interventions to de‑escalate patients and, if necessary, participates in restraints in accordance with training and education.
- Assists patient with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals and nourishment.
- Assists in moving, lifting, positioning, and transporting patients using proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
- Maintains patient safety by performing safety checks, using fall prevention devices or strategies, and following restraint policy standards.
- Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pulse oximetry); measures and records height and weight.
- Performs EKGs, point‑of‑care tests, bladder scans, and other procedures per hospital standards; collects, labels, and prepares specimens for transport to the lab.
- Performs phlebotomy in certain locations.
- Performs unit‑specific procedures such as battery changes for telemetry units, checking equipment status, cleaning equipment, and storing supplies.
- Assists the RN or licensed independent practitioner with treatments and procedures (e.g., IV lines, hemodynamic lines) and utilizes sterile technique when indicated.
- Observes, measures, and records oral food and fluid intake; sets up tube feeding solutions and refills feeding bags; empties and records output from Foley catheters, ostomy appliances, and drainage systems as directed; performs ostomy care on established patients.
- Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ needs by building positive rapport and relationships.
- Provides respectful, culturally and age‑appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors, and others.
- Replenishes patient and unit supplies and equipment.
- Requests assistance from designated resources when more direction is needed.
- Stays current with hospital changes by reading communication boards, bulletin boards, and emails on a regular basis.
- Precepts new Patient Care Technicians when required.
- Complies with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
- Attends required meetings, conferences, seminars.
- Demonstrates use of quality improvement in daily operations.
- Complies with health and safety regulations.
- Respects diverse views; demonstrates standards of respect and creates an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility, and acceptance.
- Maintains regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications
Patient Care Technician I
- Minimum high school education or GED.
- Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of employment.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
- Basic computer skills.
- Basic medical terminology knowledge.
- Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Patient Care Technician II
- Minimum high school education or GED.
- Basic Life Support certification.
- Demonstrated competency attainment at the PCT I level; minimum 800 hours and at least 6 months as a PCA I.
- Prior inpatient/outpatient care experience or clinical training.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
- Medical terminology proficiency.
- Computer skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills to gather information, build relationships, and provide exceptional patient service.
- Proven problem‑solving abilities for routine situations.
- Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Unless certification, licensure, or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the above requirements.
Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
Position requires work indoors in a patient care environment. Hand dexterity, hearing, and vision are required. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Work is heavily demanding, involving standing, walking, pushing heavy equipment, and bending frequently.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Contact Information
If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.