Location: Uvalde,TX, USA
DescriptionJOB SUMMARY: The Emergency Department Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides essential patient care under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse in the emergency department setting. The PCT assists with patient care across all age groups, including trauma patients, by providing basic patient care, conducting vital signs, starting IVs, performing EKGs, collecting specimens, and ensuring patient safety. This role plays a critical part in maintaining patient comfort, safety, and support during their stay in the emergency department. Exempt Position. Reports to Acute Services Director.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Basic Patient Care:Assist patients with routine care, including ambulation, positioning, and basic hygiene needs.Ensure patient comfort and safety by conducting regular rounding and addressing patient needs.Measure and document vital signs (e.g., temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) accurately into the Electronic Health Record (EHR).Assist with admission, transfer, and discharge processes, including room setup and cleaning as necessary.Perform hourly rounding, ensuring patients have water, restroom assistance, and that families are updated as needed.Clinical Support:Perform EKGs, accurately monitor patterns, and notify RNs or respiratory therapists of any abnormalities.Start IVs and discontinue them as needed within the scope of practice, and perform venipuncture and skin puncture for lab draws.Collect blood and other laboratory specimens, ensuring correct patient identification and accurate documentation of the collection in the EHR.Conduct Accu-checks to monitor blood glucose levels and report findings to appropriate personnel.Assist in ensuring patient safety during invasive procedures and monitor for any signs of distress or complications.Documentation and Communication:Document all patient care activities, vital signs, and observations accurately and promptly in the EHR.Notify appropriate licensed personnel of abnormal vital signs or patient complaints of pain.Communicate effectively with patients and families, explaining procedures within scope of practice, and seek assistance from licensed staff when necessary.Collaborate with the triage and charge nurse by updating them on patient status, especially during rounding in the waiting room.Equipment and Safety:Safely operate medical equipment such as EKG machines, blood glucose monitors, and IV supplies.Perform safety checks during bedside shift reports, ensuring proper patient identification, equipment function, and that all safety protocols are followed.Report damaged equipment following lock-out/tag-out procedures and enter work orders for repairs as necessary.Maintain inventory of unit supplies, ensuring that phlebotomy trays/carts and other medical supplies are fully stocked, organized, and ready for use.Phlebotomy Duties:Perform specialty blood draws (e.g., blood gases, blood culture collections) and ensure proper labeling, handling, and disposal of specimens.Verify patient requisitions and records, ensuring correct tests are performed and documented in the EHR.Safely dispose of sharps and other medical waste, maintaining cleanliness in phlebotomy and patient care areas.Patient Transport & Environmental Care:Assist in transporting patients to and from other departments or units as required.Help maintain a clean and organized environment within the emergency department by assisting with room turnover and patient transport.Monitor patient environments, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and free of clutter.Professional Development: Stay current with the latest nursing practices and healthcare trends. Encourage and support ongoing education and professional development for nursing staff. Mentor and coach nursing staff to enhance their skills and career growth.QUALIFICATIONS:Education: High School Diploma or GED Required. Completion of a Patient Care Technician (PCT) program preferred.Licensure/Certification: Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, or EMT-I or EMT-P Certification Required. Phlebotomy Technician certification required withing 6 months of hire. BLS for Healthcare Providers certification required.Experience: Priore experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in an emergency department or acute care environment preferred Previous phlebotomy, EKG, and patient care experience preferred.Skills:Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols precisely.Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to prioritize tasks and assist with a wide range of patient care needs.Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.WORKING CONDITIONS:This role operates in an emergency department setting and involves exposure to trauma cases, critical illnesses, and a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The PCT will work closely with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers.FUNCTIONAL DEMANDSFunctional Job Requirements: Job requirements include, but are not limited to: sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, squatting and reaching. Requires good finger dexterity, repetitive motions with hands and fingers. Requires ability to have good vision and hearing. Pushing and pulling equipment may be necessary. Lifting RequirementsJob requires heavy lifting on an occasional basis. Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising the job duties.