Patient Care Technician, Nursing Student - 7E Neurology

If you’re a nursing student eager to build hands‑on clinical experience, grow your skills, and be part of a supportive care team year‑round, this role is for you. Our Patient Care Technicians work closely with nurses and providers to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care while developing strong clinical foundations that support RN education and future practice.

We prefer candidates who have completed at least one inpatient clinical rotation in their nursing program, however, candidates will be placed into the appropriate job title and salary grade based on experience & education.

This position requires working 12 hours every 6‑week scheduling period when school is in session and 36 hours every 6‑week scheduling period when school is not in session. We are seeking students who can commit year‑round.

Purpose

The Patient Care Technician provides routine and advanced patient care under the direction of a nurse or physician, helping ensure the highest quality of care and supporting the smooth operation of the department. This role allows nursing students to apply classroom learning in a real clinical environment while gaining exposure to diverse patient needs and essential nursing skills.

Core Responsibilities

Direct Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Perform essential ADLs such as bathing, feeding, toileting, transporting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
• Complete key nursing support tasks including:
  • Vital signs, weights, intake & output
  • Point‑of‑care testing (including blood glucose)
  • Telemetry application/reapplication
  • HAC/PSI prevention measures (TEDs/SCDs)
  • Simple dressings
  • Specimen collections
  • Bladder scanning
  • Restraint application/removal per protocol
  • “Ticket to Ride” transport safety process
• Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Observe patient condition and report changes or concerns directly to the RN.

Advanced Skills (Department‑Dependent)

With competency training, you may also perform one or more advanced skills:

• Phlebotomy/venipuncture
• Peripheral IV removal
• Foley catheter removal
• Basic arrhythmia monitoring
• 12‑lead ECG
• NG tube clamping and removal

Communication, Teamwork & Professional Growth

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and professionalism in all interactions.
• Build strong working relationships through accountability, enthusiasm, and a focus on patient‑centered care.
• Provide instruction to patients and families as directed by the RN.
• Participate in feedback discussions, self‑review, and ongoing skill development.
• Seek support in prioritizing tasks as needed and actively identify learning opportunities.

Unit Support & Safety

• Respond to call lights, telephones, and assist with general unit activities such as passing meal trays and transporting patients.
• Report equipment issues promptly.
• Follow all hospital and safety policies, including infection control and standard precautions.
• Document patient care accurately and timely.
• Support department projects, workflow improvements, and quality initiatives.

Administrative & Additional Duties

• Assist with clerical tasks as needed.
• Perform duties efficiently and professionally.
• Meet system‑wide competencies and complete other tasks as assigned.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Enrollment in a Nursing Program with
  • :a) 1 year of general healthcare experience or
  • b) 6 months experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion or
  • c) Completion of at least 1 nursing program clinical rotation required
• Successful completion of UPMC Patient Care Technician class upon hire
• Successful completion of basic information system training
• Microcomputer experience preferred
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medical to the nurse.
  
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire ACLS preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran