The Patient Care Technician has the basic knowledge of patient care needs and skills to safely and competently carry out assigned basic patient care tasks and in compliance with Mid-Hudson Valley Staffco, LLC policies and procedures.  The Patient Care Technician works under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.  Accepts responsibility for completing all assigned tasks.  Must be able to ambulate, lift and transfer patients as essential functions of position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care

• Demonstrates ability to provide ADL’s (hygiene, toileting and feeding). Recognizes patient’s limitations and initiates appropriate action
• Assists the registered nurse in providing individualized plan of care, as directed and asks for clarification of assignment when needed. When assigned to constant observation, follows the appropriate procedures to insure patient safety. Assists with traction and cast care.
• Reports changes in patient’s condition and other relevant information to RN in a timely manner. Anticipates adverse patient outcomes and communicates same to RN. (ES)
• Interacts with other team members to establish priorities of assigned tasks and to ensure their timely completion. Takes the initiative to assist others
• Answers calls lights promptly and communicates patient/family needs to appropriate staff member. Anticipates patient/family needs and responds appropriately.

Patient Related Activities

• Assists with transporting patients.
• Assists with lifting, moving and ambulation of patients.
• Accompanies patients on discharge as requested.
• Collects specimens as directed, labels accurately and delivers to lab as requested. Performs EKGs or Phlebotomy as needed.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment. Maintains white boards in patient rooms. Reports unsafe conditions to Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager
• Follows procedure for securing repairs and making requests of other departments. Recognizes broken or failing equipment, reports to Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager, labels equipment and takes it out of service.
• Restocks utility rooms, kitchen, file cabinets, nurse’s station and other common areas as directed.
• Transfers patients’ personal effects, including valuables, as needed.

Self Development

• Seeks out opportunities for learning. Is enrolled in academic program for health related career.
• Accepts direction and guidance from nursing staff.
• Participates in a minimum of 10 hours of in-service education yearly. Participates in greater than 10 hours of in-service education yearly.
• Seeks out assistance in new or unfamiliar situations.
• Assists in orienting patient care technicians, including float personnel, to environment. Serves as a preceptor for newly hired patient care technicians.
• Adapts to changing staff and/or unit needs. Recognizes acuity/activity of area and takes initiative to assist. Completes clerical tasks when assigned, i.e., filing diagnostic reports.
• Recognizes potential for conflict and seeks appropriate assistance to intervene. Intervenes and demonstrates ability to de-escalate potential conflict.
• Records accurately and appropriately patient activity and all treatments.  (I&O, V/S, Accuchek).

Other

• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Serves as brand ambassador by upholding the WMCHealth Mission, Vision, and CARE values and promoting excellence in the patient experience, during every encounter.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 6 months recent experience in similar setting or behavioral health setting or a nursing student having completed one clinical rotation required.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• BLS certified.

OTHER

• If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
• Demonstrated written, verbal and mathematical skills consistent with high school graduate.
• Ability to communicate and interact appropriately with individuals at all levels, including patients, family members, and staff.