Patient Care Technician (Cardiac/Pulmonary)

Quick Facts

Part-time Patient Care Technician role (Cardiac/Pulmonary) working days.

Description

Assist and support the Registered Nurse with direct and indirect patient care as a member of the unit staff under RN direction and supervision. Responsibilities include vital sign collection, cardiac monitoring and EKG, neonatal/newborn care tasks, capillary blood glucose checks, phlebotomy, patient transport, basic life support in emergencies, and timely documentation/communication. Also maintain a safe, clean environment and help with unit operations such as supplies, equipment readiness, and charging/documentation.

Responsibilities

Direct Patient Care Activities

• Assist with admission, transfer, and discharge processes.
• Take and record temperature, pulse, respirations, weight (adults and/or neonates), height, and blood pressure.
• Measure and record intake and output including output from drains.
• Apply cardiac monitor/oximetry and obtain EKG.
• Perform infant security protocol checks, newborn hearing screening, capillary blood glucose checks, and phlebotomy.
• Apply fetal monitor equipment; discontinue heplocks and foley catheters; administer enemas.
• Collect specimens (urine, stool, blood, sputum); observe newborns and make rounds anticipating needs.
• Respond to patient call lights, including emergency lights; provide hydration/meal support and assigned newborn feeding assistance.
• Provide morning care, bed baths, evening care, and peri-care; provide newborn care (bathing, dressing, foot prints, feeding assistance, glucose checks).
• Make occupied/unoccupied beds; ambulate patients and instruct on walker/cane/crutches as appropriate.
• Assist with pre/post-operative care, positioning, safety equipment setup, and safe lifting/turning.
• Apply comfort and safety measures (side rails, call lights).
• Set up oxygen/suction and other respiratory equipment.
• Apply dressings for Stage I and Stage II skin breakdown.
• Prepare rooms for MD/RN assessment and assist in newborn nursery procedures as directed.
• Transport patients and equipment during urgent/emergent situations and on discharge.
• In emergencies: secure assistance and initiate basic life support.
• Report observations and document; promptly notify RN of condition changes.
• Perform post-mortem care and transport bodies to the morgue as necessary.
• Care for prosthetic devices and similar patient-owned medical/assistive items.

Indirect Patient Care

• Maintain a safe and clean environment (including temperature logs, cleaning, linen handling, equipment cleaning/return to SPD).
• Perform RN-delegated tasks to support patient care and unit operations.
• Collect and inventory patient belongings on admission/transfer/discharge.
• Complete charges using appropriate documentation.
• Order supplies and stock appropriate locations; obtain necessary equipment and supplies.
• Ensure room readiness for incoming patients; check equipment functionality.
• Count instruments/sterile trays as appropriate; stock/remove linen; set up/break down delivery table.
• Participate in meetings, orientation, quality improvement activities, and daily/weekly/monthly QC’s.
• Use communication channels to resolve work-related problems and demonstrate the “Patient’s First” philosophy.

Qualifications

Required

• CNA Certification OR currently enrolled in School of Nursing with successful completion of basic clinical rotations.
• CPR recognition by the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Providers).
• Minimum 90% correct on annual mandatory Health and Safety Training quizzes.
• Unit-based recognition for Capillary Blood Glucose Monitoring.
• High school diploma.

Preferred

• One year of college or nursing education or equivalent experience.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous healthcare setting experience with ability to relate to patients, families, nursing, and medical staff.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits program supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection for unexpected life events. Benefits eligibility depends on employment classification; refer to the posted benefits information link for details.