Full-Time Patient Care Technician - Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (UPMC Presbyterian/7F)

Join UPMC Presbyterian as a Patient Care Technician in our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), a specialized 10-bed unit dedicated to diagnosing seizure disorders through continuous patient monitoring. In this role, you will provide direct patient care support in a controlled clinical environment where patients are monitored with video and EEG equipment to capture brain activity and seizures. You will work alongside neurologists, epileptologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering high-quality diagnostic care and developing personalized treatment plans.

Clinical Setting

The EMU specializes in diagnostic confirmation of seizure disorders. Patients are admitted for continuous monitoring equipped with video and EEG equipment. You may also assist with patients who have undergone placement of subdural grids and SEEGs. The primary clinical goal is to induce and observe seizures in a controlled environment to help doctors diagnose the type and focus of epilepsy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver routine patient care and support services following established policies and procedures
• Assist with activities of daily living including bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning
• Take vital signs, perform simple dressings, 12-lead EKGs, and bladder scans
• Collect specimens and perform blood glucose monitoring
• Report equipment malfunctions and communicate effectively with the healthcare team
• Ensure patient and workplace safety while maintaining professionalism
• Provide patient care support and assist with therapies under RN guidance
• Document patient information appropriately and adhere to all safety standards
• Complete clerical functions and other tasks in a timely manner
• Work under the direction of nurses and physicians to maintain high-quality patient care

Schedule and Shifts

This is a full-time position requiring a minimum commitment of 36 hours per week. You will work rotating shifts including daytime, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts. Expect 12-hour shifts, with the possibility of a mix of 8-hour and 12-hour shifts. All hired candidates are required to complete mandatory training with full attendance expected for the entire duration.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Successful completion of UPMC Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, or EIC training program
• Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required based on AHA standards (must include both didactic and skills demonstration components within 30 days of hire)
• Act 34 clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification
• Current enrollment in an EMT or Paramedic program

Compensation

Entry level hourly rate is $19.40. Job title and salary will be based upon qualifications and career ladder requirements.

Career Development

UPMC offers a nursing support career ladder designed to support your professional growth. The career progression includes Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Senior/Specialist Patient Care Technician, and Lead Patient Care Technician positions. You will have access to resources, mentorship, leadership development, and continuing education classes to help you advance toward your career goals.

Additional Information

Access to medications is limited to the distribution of medication to the nurse.