Patient Care Technician, Nursing Student - T10 Surgical Progressive Care

UPMC Altoona is hiring a casual Patient Care Technician, Nursing Student, to help support T10 Surgical Progressive Care!

If you are enrolled in a Registered Nursing program and have completed at least one clinical rotation in an inpatient/hospital setting, this would be an ideal position for you to get hands-on care when patients need it most!

• Candidates will be placed into the appropriate job title & salary grade based on experience (Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Technician), although Patient Care Technician qualifications are preferred.
• Must be available to work year-round to meet requirements (at least 12 hours every 6-weeks when school is in session and at least 36 hours every 6 weeks when school is not in session).

The Patient Care Technician delivers routine, high‑quality patient care and supports departmental operations in alignment with established policies and procedures. Under the direction of a nurse or physician, this role ensures safe, compassionate, and efficient care at all times.

The PCT performs all core UPMC nursing assistant responsibilities, including:

• Activities of Daily Living (bathing, feeding, toileting, transporting, ambulating, turning, repositioning)
• Point‑of‑care testing (including blood glucose)
• Vital signs, weights, intake & output
• Telemetry monitor application/reapplication
• HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs)
• Simple dressings
• Placement and removal of restraints
• Bladder scans
• Specimen collection
• “Ticket to Ride” transport requirements
• All standard competencies must be achieved and maintained.

In addition, based on departmental needs, the PCT may be trained and validated in advanced clinical skills, such as:

• Phlebotomy/venipuncture
• Peripheral IV removal
• Indwelling Foley catheter removal
• Basic arrhythmia recognition
• 12‑lead EKG
• NG tube clamping and removal

Responsibilities:

Clinical Care

• Provide direct patient care, including ADLs and assistance with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
• Support patient procedures and report changes in patient status to the RN.
• Provide patient and family instruction under RN direction.
• Apply, monitor, and remove restraints per protocol.
• Document care accurately and promptly in the medical record.

Operational Support

• Respond to unit needs such as call lights, telephones, meal trays, and patient transport.
• Perform clerical tasks as needed.
• Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
• Maintain compliance with all safety policies, standard precautions, and hospital procedures.
• Teamwork & Communication
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with all members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity, workplace safety, and professional behavior.
• Build productive working relationships through accountability, enthusiasm, and commitment to patient care.
• Establish effective communication with other departments to support smooth operations.

Professional Growth

• Receive and apply constructive feedback.
• Identify learning needs and collaborate with leadership to develop skills.
• Participate in self‑review and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support department‑based projects and embrace change as an opportunity for improvement.

Additional Expectations

• Perform duties efficiently and in accordance with system‑wide competencies and behaviors.
• Carry out other responsibilities 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