Patient Care Technician (Neuro/Spine Surgery)

Quick Facts

• Role: Patient Care Technician (supporting Registered Nurse with direct and indirect patient care)

• Schedule: Part-time nights (unit-based)

Description

The Patient Care Technician supports a Professional Registered Nurse with direct and indirect patient care activities within a neuro/spine surgery unit, following organizational compliance standards and patient care policies. The role includes monitoring and documenting patient status, assisting with diagnostic and treatment processes, responding to patient needs (including emergencies), and maintaining a safe, clean environment. The technician also performs delegated tasks that support efficient unit operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with admission, transfer, and discharge processes

• Take and record vital signs and measurements (temperature, pulse, respirations, weight, blood pressure)

• Measure and record intake and output, including drain output

• Apply cardiac monitor/oximetry and obtain EKG

• Obtain capillary blood glucose (unit-based recognition), perform phlebotomy, and collect specimens (urine, stool, blood, sputum)

• Provide assigned newborn care tasks (e.g., newborn hearing screening, glucose checks, feeding assistance, glucose monitoring)

• Apply fetal monitor equipment on pregnant patients

• Provide morning/evening care (bed baths, peri-care) and assist with meals/feeding as assigned

• Support pre- and post-operative care: positioning, safety equipment, safe lifting/turning

• Set up oxygen/suction and other respiratory equipment; apply comfort and safety measures (side rails, call lights)

• Apply dressings for Stage I and Stage II skin breakdown

• Prepare rooms for MD/RN assessments and assist with directed procedures in the normal newborn nursery

• Transport patients and equipment in urgent/emergent situations and assist with discharge needs

• Respond to emergencies, secure assistance, and initiate basic life support

• Document observations, promptly notify the RN of changes in patient condition, and perform post-mortem care/transport to morgue as necessary

• Assume responsibility for patient prosthetic and assistive devices (hearing aids, dentures, glasses, etc.)

• Indirect care: maintain a safe/clean environment (cleaning/maintenance tasks, linen and equipment handling), complete charges, stock supplies, ensure room readiness, and support QC/QI activities

Requirements

• CNA certification OR currently enrolled in a 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

Benefits

• Wide range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being, plus protection for unexpected life events

• Benefits eligibility determined by employment classification

• Sign-on bonus eligibility rules apply if a sign-on bonus is included