Patient Care Tech

Reports to: ED/Acute Care Nurse Manager or Staff Registered Nurse
FLSA Status: Non-exempt, hourly

A.  SUMMARY

Under general supervision, provides direct and indirect patient care duties as well as performs clerical duties on the nursing unit. Is responsible for providing age-appropriate care such as: comfort, safety and emergency measures; activities of daily living; personal care needs; and nutrition and fluid needs. Measures vital signs, performs capillary blood glucose testing, assists in the Emergency Room. 

B.  QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1.  Must be able to responsibly perform required duties while adhering to policies and procedures governing this facility.  
2.  Must possess appropriate decision making skills and accept accountability for personal actions. Seeks assistance and/or guidance when necessary.
3.  Demonstrates ethical and appropriate behavior for the clinical environment concerning the patient’s dignity, rights and privacy, while maintaining confidentiality of patient information.
4.  Maintains calm and effective behavior during stressful situations
5. Possess appropriate interpersonal communication skills necessary to deal with patients, families, hospital and medical staff, and the public. 

C.  EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

1.  Requires High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. CNA certification required. 1 year experience as a Certified Nurses Aide preferred.
3. Current BLS certification required.

D.  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Assists with admission, transfer and discharge of patients on both the floor and the emergency room.
2.  Prepares new patient charts. Maintains current patient charts by adding forms as needed.
3.  Measures vital signs, pulse oximetry, heights, weights and other measurements as ordered and reports/records in timely fashion. Reports abnormal results to nurse immediately.
4.  With training, completes bedside tests such as Accuchecks, Multistix urine dips, and stool Hemoccults as directed. Reports to nurse in timely fashion.
5.  With training, may assist with interpretation of cardiac monitor, identification of dysrhythmias, and reporting abnormal rhythms to nurse.
5.  Using proper body mechanics; turns and repositions patients every two hours and prn, assists with transfers, and ambulates patients as directed by nurse. Documents care.
6.  Provides hygienic care, including bed bath/shower, hair care, oral care, peri care, bed linen changes, back rubs, etc throughout shift and as directed.  Documents care.
7.  Prepares patients for meals, assists or feeds patients, distributes water and snacks to patients.
8.  Accurately tallies and records intake and output.
9.  Assists with patient care in the emergency room as directed by the nurse and/or physician.
10.  Immediately reports any change in patient condition or behavior to the nurse.
11. Applies siderails, restraints and other safety measures according to standard and as directed by nurse.
12. Applies bandages, antiembolic stockings, K-pads, according to standard and as directed.
13. With training, assist in setting up and maintaining oxygen therapy equipment. Reports any problems to nurse.
14. When necessary, monitors floor and calls for assistance as needed. Pages Ancillary departments as directed.
15. Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned. Readily adapts to function in both the acute care setting and the long-term care setting according to patient care needs.
16. Adheres to the standards and policies of the corporate compliance program, including the duty to comply with applicable laws and regulation, and report to a designated manager (or employer hotline) any suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful acts or practices
17. Adheres to the safety guidelines as outlined by the facility and reports unsafe equipment, areas, practices, etc., as required by policy.
18.  Other duties as assigned.