Patient Care Technician (Float Pool)

Quick Facts

• Role: Patient Care Technician (Float Pool)
• Primary focus: Assist and support the Registered Nurse with direct and indirect patient care.

Description

The Patient Care Technician supports the Registered Nurse by performing direct and indirect patient care activities and functioning as unit staff under RN direction and supervision. Responsibilities include vital sign collection, monitoring and assigned care tasks, admissions/discharge support, preparing patients for procedures and meals, and responding to emergencies with basic life support. The technician also supports the unit by maintaining safety and cleanliness, managing equipment and supplies, completing documentation/charges, and participating in quality and training activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with admission, transfer, and discharge processes.
• Record vital signs and measurements (temperature, pulse, respirations, weight, height, blood pressure) and document intake/output, including drain output.
• Apply cardiac monitor/oximetry and obtain EKG.
• Perform neonatal tasks including infant security protocol, normal newborn hearing screening, newborn observation, and newborn glucose checks.
• Obtain capillary blood glucose for adults and/or neonates; perform phlebotomy; collect specimens (urine, stool, blood, sputum).
• Apply fetal monitoring equipment; discontinue heplocks and foley catheters; administer enemas.
• Provide morning/evening care (bed baths, peri-care) and newborn care (bathing, dressing, obtaining foot prints, assistance with feeding).
• Make beds; ambulate patients and instruct with assistive devices as assigned.
• Assist with pre/post-operative care, positioning, and safety equipment; lift/turn using safe body mechanics.
• Apply comfort/safety measures; set up oxygen/suction and other respiratory equipment.
• Apply dressings to Stage I and Stage II skin breakdown.
• Prepare rooms for MD/RN assessments and assist in newborn nursery procedures; transport patients/equipment during urgent/emergent situations.
• Respond to emergency situations, secure assistance, and initiate basic life support.
• Report observations and document; notify RN of changes; perform post-mortem care when necessary.
• Care for prosthetic devices and patient belongings (hearing aids, dentures, glasses, etc.).
• Indirect care: maintain safe/clean environment, delegated RN tasks, inventory patient belongings, complete charges, order supplies, ensure room readiness, equipment checks, and sterile tray/instrument counts.
• Stock/remove linen, set up/break down delivery table, attend meetings, participate in quality improvement and QC activities, and assist with staff orientation.

Requirements

• 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 required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits supporting employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection for unexpected life events.
• Benefits details provided via the posted benefits information link; eligibility varies by employment classification.

Background Check

Background check includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers; authorization/disclosure required. Results are evaluated case-by-case in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.