What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Care Technician - Float Pool position at UPMC?
UPMC Hamot is looking for casual Patient Care Technicians to join the Float Pool!
Title and starting pay rate of this position may vary based on years of experience.
The schedule is flexible, requiring 24 hours in a 6-week period
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides routine patient care and supports departmental services in alignment with established policies and procedures. Under the direction of a nurse or physician, the PCT helps ensure the highest quality of patient care. This role includes performing all UPMC core nursing assistant responsibilities—such as activities of daily living (ADLs), routine clinical tasks, safety practices, and equipment use—as well as advanced skills as required by departmental operational needs.
Core Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Daily Tasks
- Perform ADLs, including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, transporting, turning, and repositioning patients.
- Conduct point-of-care testing (e.g., blood glucose), measure weights, collect vital signs, and track intake and output.
- Apply and reapply telemetry monitors.
- Support HAC and PSI prevention using TEDS/SCDs.
- Perform simple dressings, apply and remove restraints, complete bladder scans, and collect all specimen types.
- Complete “Ticket to Ride” documentation for patient transport.
- Achieve and maintain competency in all required skills.
Communication & Team Contribution
- Communicate effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
- Establish respectful, professional relationships with staff, patients, and families.
- Respond to unit needs, including answering call lights/phones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
- Report equipment malfunctions promptly to the appropriate department.
- Contribute to department initiatives, quality projects, and workflow improvements.
Professional Development
- Receive and respond constructively to feedback.
- Identify learning needs and communicate them to leadership.
- Seek assistance in prioritizing tasks as needed.
- Participate in self-review and ongoing skill development.
Patient Instruction & Support
- Provide patient and family instruction under RN direction.
- Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
- Provide updates to the RN and report changes in patient status promptly.
- Apply, monitor, and remove restraints according to policy.
Safety, Compliance & Documentation
- Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and standard precautions.
- Maintain a safe work environment for patients and staff.
- Document care according to established procedures.
- Complete clerical tasks as needed.
- Perform duties in alignment with system-wide competencies and behaviors.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Advanced Skills (as required by department needs)
The PCT will maintain competency in at least one of the following advanced skills:
- Phlebotomy/venipuncture
- Peripheral IV removal
- Indwelling Foley catheter removal
- Basic arrhythmia recognition
- 12-lead EKG
- NG tube clamping and removal
Salary : $1,000 - $1,000,000