Asst, Nursing - Steward Health Care System

The Patient Care Technician provides direct or indirect patient care as determined or delegated by the Registered Nurse. Examples of this care are daily activities.

Living, baths, linen change, answering calls, taking vital signs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• The PCT maintains constant observation of the patient, facing the patient, and does not leave the patient unattended (including when visitors are present) and does not leave without RN approval and relief.

• Receives, reviews, and discusses the RNs report detailing any special needs/monitoring.

• Immediately reports any observed changes in the patients behavior or condition to the duty nurse via the intercom system or other available mediums. Informs the RN of any patient complaints related to their health.

• Call the appropriate code if needed.

• Performs patient assistance activities as related to ambulation and mobilization safely, including, but not limited to, assisting patients out of and returning to their bed/chair primarily for bathroom needs (if monitoring only one patient).

• Regularly conducts room safety sweeps per policy and ensures that potentially hazardous items are removed whenever possible.

• Monitors applied restraints to ensure patient safety and comfort.

• Assists in dressing and undressing the patient as needed and securing clothes and belongings as per company standard to ensure the patients safety.

• Maintains a professional and safe appearance, to include not wearing any items around the neck that could be used as a weapon.

• Documents all observations on the patient safety sheet as instructed and within designated timeframes.

• Always ensures patient confidentiality, and refrains from discussing patient information with anyone other than the assigned nurse and physician.

• Communicate in a professional and empathetic manner with the patient at all times, by listening and acknowledging the patients complaints and referring such complaints to the RN. Any complaints that cannot be resolved at the point of care shall be referred to the patient advocate. Refrains from conversations with patients regarding their medical condition or plan of care. Greets the patient and introduces themselves at the beginning of each assignment.

• Solely dedicated to observing the patient throughout the shift. The Patient Safety Observer should not bring personal items such as phones, food, books, or magazines into the room.

• Maintains infection prevention standards during all activities.

• Maintains personal and professional boundaries at all times, including refraining from sharing personal information.

Education / Experience / Other Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required. One year of higher education or equivalent is preferred. Specialty

• Maintains current BLS card and obtain CPI within 30 days of hire.

• Previous experience in a hospital or nursing home setting is a plus.

• Completion of the PCT training within the first week of hire and prior to any patient observation assignments.

Years of Experience:

No experience is necessary, on-the-job training is provided.

Required Skills and Job Duties

• Good oral and written communication skills in the English language, must be able to accurately document pertinent information either by writing or typing.

• Strong critical thinking and interpersonal skills relevant to patient care to safely and efficiently care for patients and interact with them.

• Demonstrates appropriate care and monitoring of Baker Acted patients while sitting.

• Provides detailed and accurate report to RN during shift and at end of shift. Provides accurate

• Completion of unit orientation for each unit to which they will be assigned.

• Answers patient's call lights quickly and appropriately

• Provides an accurate and detailed report on the oncoming PCT

• Ensures completion of patient whiteboards at the beginning of shift.