Patient Care Tech Ambulatory

Patient Care Technician – Ambulatory

Summary

The Patient Care Tech, Ambulatory is responsible for assisting the Pre-Op, PACU, Phase Two, Eye Center, and PAT Office. Tasks include retrieval and assembly of all required documentation for the patient's medical record; obtaining medical data from physician offices, including surgeon orders and diagnostic results; ensuring records are accurate and complete prior to the end of the workday; providing support by answering telephones and escorting patients from the front lobby to the preoperative units; performing vital signs and measuring height and weight; assisting with room turnovers; transferring patients via recliner, stretcher, or wheelchair; and providing clerical and computer assistance as designated.

Tasks performed are based on accepted medical/surgical standards of care and are performed within the scope of the technician’s education, training, and experience. The technician will work under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis.

Patient Transport

• Demonstrates competency in transporting patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the mechanics and functionality of recliners and stretchers.
• Performs patient identification prior to transporting.
• Utilizes correct body mechanics when moving patients and equipment.
• Notifies RNs upon departure and return of patients being transported.
• Ensures entrances to doorways or emergency gas shutoffs are not blocked during transport or when storing stretchers, wheelchairs, and other equipment.

Direct Patient Care

• Answers call lights.
• Escorts patients to the pre-op unit and initiates pre-op instruction and education with patients and families.
• Performs urine pregnancy tests and blood glucose monitoring according to facility policy and anesthesia protocol. Reports findings to nursing staff and documents results appropriately.
• Demonstrates competency in performing and documenting vital signs, oxygen saturation, intake and output, and oxygen therapy as directed; documentation reviewed by the RN.
• Assists nursing staff by obtaining patient histories, medical information, and medication lists in a competent manner.
• Retrieves diagnostic lab and other test results for the medical record.
• Maintains current CPR training and initiates basic life support measures as needed under the supervision of an RN.
• Consults with and keeps the Charge Nurse informed of patient needs.
• Assists nurses with delegated tasks while maintaining compliance with established nursing standards.
• Observes and assists patients as indicated and alerts nursing personnel as needed.
• Removes IVs, Foley catheters, and drains as assigned.
• Assists patients with ambulation and transportation to vehicles.
• Assists with the use of bedpans, urinals, bedside commodes, and bathrooms.
• Empties and measures drainage from J-Vacs, Hemovacs, and Foley drainage bags.

Aseptic Technique

• Demonstrates competency in aseptic technique while handling unit stock, equipment, and specimen collection.
• Employs sterile technique when assisting with Epidural Steroid Injection procedures.
• Maintains clean, orderly, and well-stocked work areas.
• Rotates supplies with attention to expiration dates.
• Delivers specimens to the CRMC lab area as directed by the RN.
• Thoroughly cleans equipment and stretchers prior to return to storage and between patient uses.

Department-Specific Duties

• Uses equipment according to policies.
• Assesses safety of all equipment used and reports malfunctions appropriately.
• Demonstrates understanding of departmental resource costs and conserves resources whenever possible.
• Promptly reports problems or concerns to the Charge Person or RN.
• Adapts well to changes in the work environment.
• Prioritizes and organizes work to achieve maximum efficiency.
• Assists with Epidural Steroid Injection procedures when assigned, including maneuvering and positioning the C-arm under physician direction.
• Logs all OR specimens sent from the Surgery Center to CRMC or outside laboratory services when assigned.
• Performs data entry for patient tracking during the patient's operative course at the Surgery Center.

Scheduling

• When assigned, performs duties of the Surgery Center OR Surgical Scheduler.
• Avoids scheduling conflicts to enhance turnover times.
• Demonstrates familiarity with facility instrument sets and equipment located at the Surgery Center.
• Follows through with questionable cases as they are scheduled.
• Communicates with physician offices in a timely and helpful manner.
• Offers alternative dates for scheduling to promote efficiency of the Surgery Center.
• Communicates with the OR Manager when new surgical cases require special requests.

Professional Standards

• Demonstrates strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills by listening carefully, asking appropriate questions, and understanding key issues.
• Maintains professional and positive communication with all customers.
• Attends required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services.
• Demonstrates commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Clinical Manager
Supervises: None
Responsibilities: Not applicable

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education:
High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:
Not applicable.

Experience:

• Two or more years of current hospital or medical office experience preferred.
• Coursework in medical terminology preferred.

Certification:
Applicant must have current BLS certification or obtain certification within 90 days of hire