Are you a compassionate and dedicated individual seeking a rewarding part-time opportunity in healthcare? UPMC is currently seeking enthusiastic Patient Care Techs to join our Emergency Department team. This part-time position offers flexible day and evening shifts, with hours ranging from 7 am to 7 pm, 7 am to 3 pm, or 3 pm to 11 pm. The schedule also includes every other weekend and holidays, providing a balanced work-life arrangement while making a significant impact on patient care.
Your Role: Patient Care Technician – Specialist
As a Patient Care Technician – Specialist at UPMC, you will play a vital role in providing routine patient care and supporting our department’s services. Working under the direction of nurses and physicians, you will contribute to maintaining the highest standards of quality patient care. This role is designed for individuals who are committed to excellence and eager to expand their skills in a fast-paced environment.
Upon successful completion of training and annual competency assessments, you will perform specialized patient care duties in addition to the core responsibilities of a UPMC Patient Care Technician. These fundamental responsibilities include assisting patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning. You will also be trained in point-of-care testing, including blood glucose monitoring, recording weights and vital signs, managing intake and output (I&O), applying and reapplying telemetry monitors, and implementing measures for Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HAC) and Pressure Injury (PSI) prevention, such as using TEDs/SCDs.
Furthermore, your role will encompass performing simple dressings, applying and removing restraints, bladder scanning, and collecting various specimens. As a Patient Care Technician – Specialist, you will also develop advanced skills, including IV catheter removal, Foley catheter removal, IV insertion, Foley catheter insertion, straight catheterization, phlebotomy, and arranging patient transportation (“ticket to ride”). All required competencies must be achieved and maintained to ensure you are equipped to provide exceptional care.
Key Responsibilities
- Effective Communication and Teamwork: Demonstrate clear and effective communication with all members of the healthcare team. Understand and respect cultural diversity, address horizontal violence, and recognize impairment in healthcare professionals. Actively support safety in the workplace for both patients and yourself.
- Collaborative Relationships: Develop and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and other departments, both internally and externally. Demonstrate accountability, enthusiasm, motivation, and a strong commitment to patients and fellow team members.
- Equipment Management and Department Support: Ensure timely reporting of equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department. Establish effective communication with other departments to facilitate smooth operations. Build professional and respectful interpersonal relationships to foster a positive working environment. Contribute to universal unit activities, including responding to call lights and telephones, distributing meal trays, and transporting patients as needed.
- Comprehensive Patient Care: Routinely perform core patient care technician responsibilities, including all aspects of ADLs, point-of-care testing, vital signs monitoring, and preventative measures. Execute specialized tasks such as simple dressings, restraint management, bladder scans, and specimen collection. Master advanced skills like IV and Foley catheter management, phlebotomy, and patient transport arrangements.
- Therapeutic Assistance and Patient Monitoring: Assist with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies under supervision. Provide timely and relevant feedback to Registered Nurses (RNs) regarding patient care and report any changes in patient status promptly. Offer patient and family education under the direction of the RN. Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints according to physician orders and hospital protocols.
- Professional Development and Initiative: Actively seek and constructively receive feedback and direction to enhance your skills. Identify and communicate your learning needs to the unit director and take proactive steps to improve your knowledge, skills, and overall performance. Seek assistance in planning and prioritizing activities when necessary. Participate in self-reviews as requested and contribute to unit projects and committee work.
- Departmental Contribution and Compliance: Propose and support positive changes within the department to enhance efficiency and patient care. Embrace responsibility for assigned tasks and approach challenges with a problem-solving attitude. Demonstrate an understanding of your behavior’s impact on departmental efficiency. Support department-based projects and quality improvement initiatives. Strictly adhere to all policies and procedures related to patient care and hospital information. Comply with all safety policies and procedures, including standard precautions. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in patient medical records according to established procedures. Complete assigned work productively and within expected timeframes. Safely transport cardiac monitored patients within the hospital setting. Perform Foley catheter insertions and straight catheterizations as instructed by an RN. Perform IV insertions, removals, and dressing changes as trained and directed. Fulfill department clerical functions as required.
Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Experience:
- Option a) Two years of general healthcare experience and fulfillment of Patient Care Technician – Senior title requirements.
- Option b) One year of healthcare experience and current enrollment in a Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), or Physician Assistant (PA) program with at least one completed clinical rotation.
- Option c) One year of healthcare experience and completion of a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field.
- Professional Contribution: Annual completion of a professional contribution to be determined post-hire.
- Specialist Training: Successful completion of a patient care technician specialist class.
- Technical Skills: Successful completion of basic information system training. Microcomputer experience is preferred.
- Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Nursing student with at least one completed clinical rotation.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification, or current enrollment in an EMT or Paramedic program.
- Successful completion of a basic arrhythmia course and annual competency.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances
- CPR Requirement: CPR certification based on American Heart Association (AHA) standards, including didactic and skills demonstration components, is required within 30 days of hire.
- ACLS Preference: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is preferred.
- Required Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
UPMC: An Equal Opportunity Employer
UPMC is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to support Disability/Veteran status and ensure that all applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Join UPMC and become part of a team that values your skills and dedication to patient care. Apply today to start your part-time career as a Patient Care Tech Specialist in our Emergency Department!
