Patient Care Technician - CVICU

UPMC Hamot's CVICU is looking for a full-time Patient Care Technician!

Title and starting pay rate of this position may vary based on years of experience.

Day/Night rotation availability required.

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The PCT supports patient safety, comfort, and clinical care through routine nursing assistant duties, selected advanced skills, and timely documentation while adhering to UPMC policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Provide direct patient care including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, repositioning, and transporting patients.
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
• Perform UPMC Nursing Core Assistant responsibilities, including:
  • Vital signs, blood glucose testing, weights
  • Intake and output measurement
  • Specimen collection
  • Foley care
  • Telemetry monitor application/reapplication
  • Hospital-acquired condition and patient safety indicators
• Perform point-of-care testing, bladder scans, simple dressings, and ticket-to-ride/intra-hospital patient transportation.
• Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints per physician orders and hospital policy.
• Provide patient and family education under the direction of the RN.
• Report changes in patient condition and provide timely feedback to the RN.

Advanced & Unit-Specific Skills

• Perform core nursing assistant responsibilities and at least four department-identified tasks, which may include:
  • Phlebotomy/venipuncture
  • 12-lead EKG
  • Simple dressings
  • Foley catheter removal
  • Peripheral IV catheter removal
  • Straight catheterization
  • Bladder scanning
  • Point-of-care testing
• Maintain competency in at least one advanced skill, based on department need:
  • Phlebotomy
  • Peripheral IV removal
  • Indwelling Foley catheter removal
  • Basic arrhythmia recognition
  • 12-lead EKG
  • NG tube clamping and removal

Safety, Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, and all members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity and awareness of horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions.
• Support a safe work environment for patients and coworkers.
• Establish and maintain professional, respectful interpersonal relationships.
• Contribute to unit operations including responding to call lights and phones, passing meal trays, and assisting with patient transport.
• Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.

Documentation & Quality

• Document patient care accurately and timely in the medical record per established procedures.
• Complete assigned work in a timely, productive manner and assist with clerical duties as needed.
• Adhere strictly to all patient care, safety, and confidentiality policies, including standard precautions.
• Suggest and support departmental improvements, quality initiatives, and unit-based projects.
• Demonstrate accountability, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.

Professional Development

• Constructively receive feedback and direction.
• Identify and communicate learning needs to the unit director or leader.
• Request assistance as needed to prioritize and plan care.
• Participate in self-review and performance improvement activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must meet one of the following:
  • 1 year of general healthcare experience, or
  • 6 months as a UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion (if less than 1 year of experience), or
  • Enrollment in a PT, OT, PA, or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, or
  • Bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field.
• Successful completion of:
  • UPMC Patient Care Technician class
  • eRecord training
• EMT, Paramedic, or enrollment in an EMT/Paramedic program preferred.

Licensure & Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR required per American Heart Association standards (didactic and skills demonstration) within 30 days of hire.
• ACLS preferred.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.