Patient Care Technician

Job Summary

MedStar Health is looking for a Patient Care Technician to join our team!

As a Patient Care Technician, you will function as a member of the patient-centered care team to provide direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or medical staff/providers. Assists nursing and medical staff with procedures and/or tests, and patients with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Performs specific care activities such as specimen collection, phlebotomy, intravenous (IV) catheter insertion, electrocardiography (EKG), and documentation in the health record.

Join one of the largest healthcare systems in the Baltimore-Washington metro region, also recognized as one of the "Healthiest Maryland Businesses". Apply today and learn how MedStar Health can be your next great career move!

Primary Duties

Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal hygiene, including bathing, mouth care, dressing, skin care, positioning, feeding, ambulation, toileting, and range of motion activities. Assists with patient mobilization and rehabilitation, use of crutches and walkers, and transfer/transport of patients in wheelchairs and stretchers. Collects specimens; performs venipuncture/phlebotomy; obtains EKGs; applies electrodes and initiates physiologic monitoring equipment; and inserts intravenous (IV) catheters, changes of IV sites and dressings, and routine inspection of IV sites.

Assists in the measurement and documentation of patient’s intake and output. Accurately takes and records patient’s vital signs, height and weight, pulse oximetry, point of care and waived testing (i.e., finger sticks for glucose monitoring/Accucheck, urine dipstick, hemoccult) and other pertinent information in the patient’s health record. Performs routine treatments/activities identified by unit/hospital policy inclusive of but not limited to: Foley Catheter insertion, removal and care; suctioning; simple dressing changes and wound care; turning and positioning; postmortem care and transportation of body to the morgue; maintenance of drainage tubes with/without pump or suction; set-up and care of oxygen equipment; shave preps; and assistance in the application, maintenance and removal of traction, casts, splints, slings, TED and SCD supports, and other immobilization equipment.

Maintains the comfort, confidentiality, and dignity of each patient. Performs patient observation duty, including 1:1 observation, and application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations and procedures. Rounds on all assigned patients based on established standards. Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients/families, including changes in the patient's condition, to the registered nurse and other care team members. Ensures complete hand off to oncoming shift and obtains full hand off from outgoing shift. Initiates and assists in CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation).

Participates in patient/family teaching as directed and responds to questions from patients, families, and visitors in a prompt and respectful manner, referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary. Attends staff meetings, ongoing educational offerings, and participate in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.

Maintains the cleanliness and safety of patient environment by distributing and changing linen/towels, removing used meal trays, checking bed siderails and safety restraints, etc. Assists with environmental services support such as linen management, trash removal and cleaning patient rooms. Transports and/or escorts patients during discharges, transfers, and/or medical appointments. Completes errands such as delivering specimens to the laboratory, equipment, and supplies, etc. Receives and stocks equipment and supplies and maintains orderly supply and utility rooms.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED,

Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant program, an experienced WHC nursing assistant, or the equivalent; or completion of a national Registered Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic program/course with at least six months or more experience as an EMT, CCT, or EMTP; or Nursing Student (RN Program) with completion of at least one year of clinical rotation or a graduate of an approved nursing program (LPN or RN).

BLS - Basic Life Support