Patient Care Technician - Oncology Unit

Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning.
• Support physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.
• Provide feedback to the RN and promptly report changes in patient status.
• Offer patient and family instruction under RN supervision.
• Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints per physician or hospital protocol.

Core Clinical Tasks

• Perform UPMC Nursing Assistant core responsibilities:
  • Vital signs, blood glucose checks, weights, intake/output, specimen collection, Foley care, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, and patient safety checks.
• Complete at least four of the following tasks:
  • Phlebotomy, 12-lead EKG, simple dressing changes, Foley catheter removal, point-of-care testing, bladder scan, straight catheterization, or IV catheter removal.

Advanced Skills (as needed)

• Maintain competency in one or more advanced skills based on department needs:
  • Phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley removal, basic arrhythmia recognition, 12-lead EKG, NG tube clamping/removal.

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
• Establish professional, respectful relationships with colleagues, patients, and families.
• Respond to unit needs, including answering call lights, phones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.

Safety & Compliance

• Report equipment malfunctions promptly.
• Adhere to all hospital policies, safety protocols, and standard precautions.
• Support department initiatives, quality improvement projects, and process changes.

Professional Development

• Accept feedback constructively and take action to improve skills and performance.
• Identify learning needs and seek assistance in planning and prioritizing tasks.
• Participate in self-review and ongoing education.

Documentation

• Accurately document patient care in the medical record according to established procedures.
• Complete clerical tasks as needed.

This position is posted as a Patient Care Technician, which is a valued step in UPMC's Patient Care Support Career Ladder. The final candidate will be placed in the appropriate title and salary based on experience and education.

Nursing Assistant Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Training: Successful completion of UPMC Nursing Assistant or EIC training program.
  • Training Schedule: Tuesday–Thursday during your start week, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM. Attendance for all three days is required.
• Skills:
  • Knowledge of body mechanics and safe transfer techniques.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Certification: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.
• Medication Access: Limited to distribution of medication to the nurse.

Patient Care Technician Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience (must meet one of the following):
  • 1 year of general healthcare experience, OR
  • 6 months as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion, OR
  • Enrollment in PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR
  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field.
• Training:
  • Successful completion of UPMC Patient Care Technician class.
  • Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Skills:
  • Microcomputer experience preferred.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Certification: EMT or Paramedic certification (or current enrollment in EMT/Paramedic program) preferred.
• Medication Access: Limited to distribution of medication to the nurse.