Patient Care Technician I - Emergency Department

Patient Care Technician I
Emergency Department
.9 full-time, evening shifts with rotation every other weekend & holiday rotation
Shifts:  11:00 AM to 11:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM with rotation (36 hours/week)
Union position:  AFSCME
Posted:  3/2/2026

Launch Your Healthcare Career with UPMC Altoona!

Are you ready to make a real difference in patients’ lives while building a rewarding career in healthcare?  UPMC Altoona is seeking compassionate and motivated individuals to join our team as Patient Care Technician I. This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and be part of a supportive environment where every day brings meaningful impact.

Whether you’re starting out or looking to expand your skills, we provide comprehensive training for entry-level candidates, ensuring you have the tools and confidence to succeed. As a Patient Care Technician, you’ll play a vital role in delivering hands-on care, supporting nurses and patients, and contributing to a culture of excellence and compassion.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understand policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
• Establishes appropriate and effective communication strategies.
• Responds within the scope of the nursing assistant role to emergent situations.
• Takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and report changes in patient status.
• Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital related information.
• Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges.
• Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director.
• Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
• Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to, completing safety checks, keeping the department and patient rooms clean and organized, cleaning department specific equipment, changing bed linens, emptying linen hampers, keeping hallways clear of equipment and returning equipment.
• Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Participate in self-review as requested by the unit director.
• Suggests and support changes within the department.
• Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
• Provides direct patient care as directed by the RN including all activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting and ambulating patients.
• Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, performing messenger functions, ordering, charging/crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the nursing assistant position and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas.
• Performs routine tests such as blood glucose monitoring, patient weights, vital signs and I&Os.
• Constructively receives feedback and direction.
• Provides companionship/supervision one in one with patients as required.
• Delivers patient nourishments, fill water pitchers and distribute patient mail.
• May apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol. Provide diversion activities to reduce or prevent use of restraints.
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures.