Patient Care Technician - Observation - Per Diem Days (7am-3:30pm)

Overview:

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

A day in the life of a Patient Care Associate at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Provides hygiene and comfort care to patients including bathing, toileting/diapering, feeding and bed making.
• Takes vital signs under the direction of the RN and documents electronically according to Medical Center policy, reporting results to RN.
• Performs and documents glucose finger stick/heel stick and collects other specimens including stool, urine and sputum when directed by the RN.4. Observes and documents patients intake and output.
• Maintains BLS certification and initiates interventions in emergent situations.
• Assists with patient transport to and from the unit/department
• Provides a safe patient environment by answering all call lights promptly, communicating with the RN immediately for any changes in patient condition.
• Acts in the patient sitter role when needed.
• Monitors inventory, orders supplies and equipment and procures all items as needed using established channels.
• Performs A/D/T functions and patient charge entries.
• Initiates, and maintains patients medical record in accordance with established policies.
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and with the professional nurse modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e.: age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired).
• Communicates with patients and primary caregivers at their level of understanding
• Adheres to the standards in the Medical Centers Organizational Competencies and Code of Conduct.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Completion of one of the following: - Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant or Patient Care Technician program or - Fundamentals of Nursing program from an accredited school of nursing or - HMH PCT Apprenticeship Program - Or equivalent medical background experience, such as EMT, Home Health Aide, CMA, MA, PCT, Nursing Assistant.
• The ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing patient needs, a strong sense of accountability for improving the lives of our patients and their caregivers, an exceptional focus on teamwork, dedication to ongoing education and the ability and passion to deliver the highest quality of care and service based on a strong sense of patient focus are all required.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Experienced or certified in phlebotomy and checking EKG, vital signs and blood sugar preferred
• At least one (1) year PCT or CNA experience in a hospital setting strongly preferred or eligible for the HMH PCT apprentice program.
• Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant or Patient Care Technician who has successfully completed a PCT program which includes Phlebotomy, EKG and nursing assistant course both in the theoretical and clinical setting.