Patient Care Technician (Full Time)

Position Summary

The ED Patient Care Technician is an intricate member of the Emergency Department team, and is graded based on licensure and years of experience. The Patient Care Technician is responsible to provide patient care within their scope of practice as defined by the licensing agency and/or NCH/WMC. Based on their grade and licensure. The PCT will accept delegated duties from the supervising EDRN or ED provider. The Technician provides direct patient care and offers support services based upon the policies, procedures and standards of care of the Emergency Department. The PCT may also be required to support the nursing care of patients in other patient care areas, including inpatient and outpatient areas. The Patient Care Technician provides clerical and computer support to the medical records function, including all functions associated with the EHR. The Patient Care Technician may perform all tasks within their scope in accordance with NH license, Weeks Medical Center Policies & Procedures, and satisfactory completion of skill competency.

Accountability

· The Patient Care Technician is accountable to the Department Manager

Interrelationships

· Works closely with the RN on duty. Inter-relates with clinical staff from all departments and all medical staff members

Qualifications

· High school graduate or GED.

· Current AEMT, LPN or LNA license in the State of New Hampshire.

· Prior experience as an EMT preferred.

· Current BLS certification required.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and time management skills required.

· Basic computer systems knowledge required.

Service Excellence Criteria

1. Make a positive first impression. First impressions define our personality to others and set the tone. By making a positive first impression, our patients, families and colleagues will feel welcome in our Medical Center environment.

2. Treat others as guests. Act as a host and greet others as you would welcome a good friend.

3. Be an effective communicator. See that patients, families and colleagues are appropriately informed. Talk with others promptly if you are having a problem with them – follow the “Commitment to My Co-Workers”.

4. Practice service recovery skills. Turn negative service or a negative impression into a positive outcome for the patient, family or colleague.

5. Be professional in image and appearance. Represent the Medical Center as a professional in image and attitude. Act as a role model for the Medical Center’s dress code policy. Also, act as a role model for the Medical Center’s Code of Conduct.

6. Practice teamwork. Work with your team to develop a common vision and common goals. Support your team members to achieve these goals and to provide excellence in patient care and services.

7. Project a positive attitude. Demonstrate an attitude of striving to find and implement positive approaches. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Do not openly criticize your colleagues in front of others or to patients and families.

8. Strive for excellence in all endeavors. Always look for ways to work more effectively. Strive for higher quality in a cost effective environment.

Essential Functions of the Job

1. Completes the required clinical competencies for a Patient Care Technician. Has competency checklist been completed with all competencies met.

2. Demonstrates current clinical competence and excellence in clinical practice as outlined in skills competency tool. (For the EMT-Intermediate, performs peripheral IV starts with a high degree of skill and accuracy.)

3. Accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own clinical practice while functioning as a Patient Care Technician in the patient care areas. Adheres to the Standards of Practice.

4. Assures accurate charging for all supplies used for patient care. Assists the RN to review and audit the patient charges if requested.

5. Accepts responsibility and accountability to identify and report Risk Management situations. Assists in the completion of Occurrence Reports with all details documented. Notifies the RN and the Department Manager, Outpatient Care Services when risk related situations arise.

6. Brings recommendations on new products and recommendations to reduce supply expenses to the RN or Department Manager as needed. Demonstrates a commitment to containing costs and efficient use of materials.

7. Re-assesses vital signs at least every two hours and at intervals indicated by the RN. Documents findings and communicates findings to the RN.

8. Obtains specimens of blood and body fluids as ordered by the RN. Performs phlebotomy after completion of training module. Labels specimens with patient information accurately and according to hospital policy. Avoids leaving unlabeled specimens unattended.

9. Performs 12 lead EKGs. Ensures accurate lead placement. Enters patient demographic information into EKG machine. Protects patient privacy while performing EKG. Processes EKG charges accurately.

10. Assists physician with suture tray set up and clean up as requested. Maintains aseptic technique. Ensures safe disposal of sharps.

11. Documents all pertinent information on the patient’s medical record in an accurate, detailed and legible manner adhering to procedures for charting.

12. Participates in all Code Blue and trauma resuscitation events within scope of practice allowed. Maintains a calm, professional manner.

13. Cleans and restocks patient care areas after the discharge of each patient. Takes initiative to ensure that this is done without prompting.

14. Transport patients to and from other departments as requested. Ensures patient safety during transport.

15. Performs clerical duties to include but not limited to phones, order processing, ordering supplies, and restocking. Takes initiative.

16. Coordinates and performs computer support and clerical functions to process the medical records and physician dictations. Ensures completion of medical records and prompt forwarding of records to HIM for coding and processing.

17. Actively participates and assists the Radiology department to process X-ray films when requested.

18. Participates actively in all department meetings and attends at least 80% of meetings.

19. Accepts and satisfactorily completes miscellaneous duties as requested by the RN or Department Manager.

20. Follows appropriate infection control practices and precautions as outlined in the hospital policies and procedures.

21. Participates on CQI teams and implements new and ongoing quality improvement activities.