Patient Care Technician – Saratoga Hospital – Saratoga Springs, NY

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, and/or registered nurse, the patient care technician (PCT) performs a variety of technical functions, which contribute to the safety, care and comfort of patients and their families. Responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care, performs technical skills and procedures, conducts routine clerical duties, and participates in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Primary job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Safety:

• Adheres to policies and procedures
• Performs equipment checks, and reports and removes broken equipment immediately from service
• Provides constant observation as directed by the registered nurse
• Participates in hourly patient rounding
• Responds to patient call lights promptly
• Adheres to infection control, safety, fire and disaster policies and procedures

Patient Care:

• Provides care within the job duties and responsibilities
• Responds promptly to patient and family requests for assistance
• Obtains and records accurate vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure and reports abnormal findings to RN immediately (include RN name in documentation).
• Obtains and records accurate height and weight on admission and periodically as ordered
• Applies cardiac and respiratory monitoring leads as directed
• Performs 12-Lead EKG and obtains rhythm strips as directed
• Performs bedside glucose monitoring in accordance with written policy and procedure and records and reports results
• Performs venipuncture to obtain blood specimens for laboratory analysis as directed
• Collects urine, stool and nasal specimens for analysis and culture as directed
• Correctly applies orthopedic devices
• Assists patient to bathroom as necessary, empties urinary drainage bags, and records intake and output as directed
• Reports observations to RN in a timely manner and escalates up the chain of command if warranted

Equipment Operation:

• Use of patient care equipment such as but not limited to sphygmomanometer, scales, pulse oximeter, telemetry equipment
• Use of patient care transport equipment such as but not limited to, wheelchairs, Maxi lift, slide sheets, slide boards, and stretchers
• Operates pneumatic tube system
• Monitors unit supplies to ensure availability and prevent expiry

Customer Service

• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and sensitivity when interacting with patients, visitors, and co-workers
• Respects patient privacy, maintains confidentiality and displays non-judgmental behavior
• Participates in and utilizes appropriate intra- and inter-departmental communication systems
• Verbal communication is clear, concise, and relevant
• Maintains open lines of communication with peers and other members of the health care team
• Communicates patient/family needs to the appropriate personnel

Clerical:

• Answers phones with proper phone etiquette and communicates effectively with patients, families, and colleagues
• Coordinates all patient movement on and off the unit in collaboration with the clinicians and nurses
• Documents data in accordance with department policy and procedure

Ownership:

• Accepts constructive feedback from co-workers and management and responds by changing behavior or performance if appropriate
• Supports and accepts hospital policies, decisions, and changes
• Participates in unit activities and meetings
• Reads department communication updates on a timely basis
• Completes all mandatory hospital and unit based competencies/in-services within required times frames

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent. Previous emergency department, nursing school student, EMT and/or equivalent experience preferred. Prior medical office experience beneficial. Must possess above average typing skills and ability to use information systems. Medical terminology preferred.