PCT at CARLE

Provides basic, quality patient focused care in clinical setting under daily direction and supervision of Registered Nurse (RN) in accordance with the standards of practice within guidelines of corresponding state regulations. Performs clerical and system coordination for the nursing units. Provides supportive nursing care and schedules diagnostic and therapeutic services. Ensures accuracy and frequent updates of unit census, patient information, and level of care. Coordinates all nursing unit communications and activities. Acts as a receptionist, greeting and/or directing patients, visitors, physicians, and other health care providers.

• Assists RN with daily care of patients including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders and ambulation which may include use of therapeutic assistive devices, proper positioning, range of motion and special transferring as indicated.
• Measures and documents blood pressures, TPRs (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration), I & O (Intake and Output), daily weights, and other patient data as requested. Documents accurately in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Participates in admission, transfer and discharge process under supervision of RN including room set up, orientation to room, removing linen, and proper management of patient belongings. Ensures patient call light is always in reach of patient and answers call-lights promptly.
• Performs purposeful rounding under direction of RN and promptly communicates observations, concerns, and needs of patient/family to RN. Documents appropriately. Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique and assistive devices.
• Performs tasks related to nutritional needs of the patient under direction of RN to include diet review, tray set up/removal, proper positioning and diet selection. Performs tasks related to maintaining skin integrity to include proper repositioning and skin care. Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose and sequential compression devices.
• Collects urine, stool, and sputum specimens and performs point-of-care testing as indicated using approved process for accurate specimen labeling and identification. Maintains competency as required. Under direction of RN and as determined by site/unit requirements, may be required to remove IVs, provide post mortem care, perform phlebotomy, ECGs, bladder scans and other skills as allowed under state regulations.
• Practices within policies and procedures of infection prevention by demonstrating hand hygiene and knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with patients in isolation.
• Coordinates tests and treatments with and between various departments for patients on nursing units. Maintains a working knowledge of functions and services offered by all diagnostic and treatment departments to facilitate the scheduling of tests and treatments. Maintains working knowledge of EHR system and other computer systems for ordering patient and unit supplies and equipment. Processes daily patient charges and/or related procedures through the system.
• Facilitates communications required to support patient care, including the multiple-line telephone, unit/site paging and the hospital information system. Screens incoming telephone calls. Monitors department office equipment and troubleshoots minor problems. Arranges repair of major malfunctions.
• Compiles necessary chart forms for admissions, transfers, discharges and expirations. Obtains appropriate copies of medical records for transfers to nursing homes and other health care facilities. Verifies medical records contain complete and accurate patient demographic information, patient identification and registration in the medical record, including appropriate level of care.
• Establishes and maintains positive customer relations and contributes to a harmonious work environment. Quickly and courteously acknowledges requests, responds to call lights, demonstrates proper phone etiquette and fosters communication between the health care team.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific