What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Care Technician position at UPMC?
Casual Patient Care Technician – Emergency Department
Flexible scheduling, hands‑on clinical skills, and an ideal role for students pursuing healthcare careers
If you're enrolled in a healthcare‑related program and eager to gain real‑world experience in a fast‑paced clinical setting, this opportunity is designed for you. As a Casual Patient Care Technician in our Emergency Department, you’ll build essential clinical skills, work alongside experienced nurses and providers, and enjoy a schedule that adapts to your academic commitments. This role offers a meaningful way to strengthen your résumé while contributing to a team that values learning, teamwork, and high‑quality patient care.
*Candidate will be placed into the appropriate job title based on experience and/or education.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Patient Care
- Assist with patient procedures and activities of daily living, including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, repositioning, and transporting patients.
- Provide patient and family instruction under the direction of the RN.
- Apply, monitor, and remove restraints per protocol; support alternatives to reduce restraint use.
- Observe and report changes in patient condition to the RN promptly.
Clinical & Technical Skills
- Perform core nursing assistant responsibilities: vital signs, weights, intake and output, blood glucose testing, specimen collection, Foley care, and telemetry monitor application/reapplication.
- Complete point‑of‑care testing and support hospital‑acquired condition and patient safety indicator prevention practices.
- Perform at least four BU‑identified clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, 12‑lead EKG, simple dressings, Foley catheter removal, bladder scanning, straight catheterization, or IV catheter removal.
- Maintain competency in at least one advanced skill based on department need: phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley removal, basic arrhythmia recognition, 12‑lead EKG, or NG tube clamping/removal.
Emergency Department Workflow Support
- Assist with patient flow, room preparation, and intra‑hospital transport (“ticket to ride”).
- Respond to call lights, answer telephones, pass meal trays, and support general unit operations.
- Complete clerical tasks as needed to support departmental efficiency.
Environment & Equipment Management
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment through safety checks, equipment cleaning, and supply stocking.
- Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
Communication & Team Collaboration
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with all members of the healthcare team.
- Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, workplace safety, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions.
- Build productive working relationships through accountability, motivation, and a commitment to patient‑centered care.
Documentation & Compliance
- Document patient care and observations accurately in the medical record.
- Adhere strictly to all hospital policies, including confidentiality, standard precautions, and safety procedures.
- Handle medications only to the extent of delivering them to the nurse.
Professional Development
- Receive and apply constructive feedback.
- Identify learning needs and communicate them to leadership.
- Seek assistance with planning and prioritizing tasks when needed.
- Participate in self‑review and ongoing skill development.
- Support departmental projects, quality initiatives, and process improvements.
Salary : $1,000 - $1,000,000