Description

The Patient Care Technician-MJ (PCT) reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The IP Rehabilitation PCT has expertise related to the specific needs for patients in the rehabilitation environment which include chronic conditions and disabilities. The Patient Care Technician-MJ is a member of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation care team.

Under the direction/delegation and supervision of a professional registered nurse, the Patient Care Tech-MJ assists the patient with activities of daily living, mobility skills, skin, bowel and bladder programs, and maintains a clean, safe environment for the patient. Additional technical skills, under the direction of the RN, de-escalation techniques and 12 lead EKG. The Patient Care Tech-MJ role serves as an active participant in the unit quality projects which can include data collection as well as unit equipment inventory and maintenance. The Patient Care Tech-MJ is responsible to orient and precept PCT roles.

Responsibilities:

Patient Care/Clinical Practice:

• Answers and triages patient call lights and meets patient care needs with an appropriate sense of urgency.
• Assists patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living promoting maximal independence.
• Assists patient with application of assistive devices and prosthetics/orthoses according to individual patient program.
• Performs preventive skin care program as directed by RN and report any changes in skin integrity immediately to the nurse.
• Accurately calculates and documents calorie count, intake and output and patients' weights.
• Assists patients with transfers and mobility activities utilizing appropriate techniques, precautions and assistive devices.
• Assists patients with bladder and bowel elimination programs including collection of laboratory specimens. Straight catheterization for select patient populations under direction of RN.
• Accurately obtains and documents patients' vital signs and communicates any concerns to the registered nurse.
• Measures and documents blood glucose measurements.
• 12-lead EKG as ordered
• Assists patients with completing menus daily within established timeframes.
• Passes patient meal trays and HS snacks under the direction of the nurse.
• Provide supervision and activities for patients with high risk to fall.
• Patient rounding: Circulate on the nursing units to monitor patients.
• Provide de-escalation techniques for agitated and aggressive patient behaviors
• Engage patient in activities as appropriate.
• Patient mobility champion on the unit.
• Maintains and organizes unit equipment inventories.
• Preceptor to new employees.
• Inclusive of all other duties as assigned by nurse manager, nurse supervisor, staff nurse and charge nurse.

Quality Improvement:

• Participates in system and local quality improvement goals.
• Collects data and audits for Joint Commission readiness and improvement projects.
• Assists in the maintenance of unit readiness to meet regulatory standards.

Communication:

• Maintains a therapeutic relationship to provide optimal customer-focused care.
• Communicates effectively with patients at level appropriate to age and cognitive status, showing cultural sensitivity.
• Interacts effectively with peers and other hospital staff to foster positive working relationships.
• Effectively triages patient and the general concerns to RN.

Infection Control/Patient Safety:

• Contributes to the safe, effective and professional delivery of patient care including use of safety/restrictive devices.
• Follows Infection Control policies and procedures.
• Maintains knowledge of Marianjoy's policies concerning precautions, codes, conditions, warning and general safety procedures.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Rotates to all units based on patient care needs.
• Adjusts to changes in policy and procedure, unit and patient population.

Qualifications

Required :

• High school or equivalent (GED)
• Current Nursing Assistant certification (C.N.A.) or current enrollment in an RN Nursing Program, with the successful completion of two clinical rotations
• Maintains current CPR certification
• Basic math skills
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and provide highest level of customer service
• Understanding and support of Northwestern Medicine's Mission and Values
• Flexibility and ability to manage work in a changing environment
• 12 lead EKG competency completed within 6 months of employment

Preferred :

• 2-5 years of work experience is preferred in a rehabilitation hospital, acute care hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.