NURSING ASSISTANT/PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN - CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES 2D - CASUAL

Join Independence Health's Cardiovascular Services team as a Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician. In this casual position, you will provide direct and indirect patient care under the direction of the RN or LPN, supporting patients in the cardiovascular services department. You will work in a fast-paced hospital environment, assisting with patient activities of daily living, monitoring patient needs, and collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure quality care and positive patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care
• Respond promptly to call lights, patient inquiries, and requests from patients and families
• Assist patients with activities of daily living and personal care needs
• Collect, document, and report ongoing patient care data as directed
• Measure and document intake and output, including drainage, and obtain daily weights when indicated
• Transport patients as directed and obtain patient care equipment as needed
• Perform clinical skills including vital signs, blood glucose testing, EKGs, pulse oximetry, urinary catheter care, bladder scanning, ostomy care, simple dressing changes, oral pharyngeal suctioning, and application of telemetry leads, antiembolic hose, Sequential Compression Devices, and heating pads
• Set up and maintain suction equipment, utilize oxygen cylinders, and place patients in CPM machines
• Transport blood and blood products from the blood bank and deliver specimens to the laboratory
• Perform crutch measurement and teaching
• Conduct purposeful hourly rounding to address patient needs and maintain a safe physical environment
• Maintain and stock specialty carts, supply inventory, and ensure adequate linens, blankets, saline, and water
• Prepare and maintain isolation boxes and supplies
• Declutter patient rooms and storage areas
• Assist in the educational process to promote health, foster self-care, and improve patient outcomes
• Report patient information and readiness to learn to the RN or LPN
• Maintain collaborative relationships with other healthcare providers
• Communicate pertinent information regarding actual or potential patient problems to the professional or practical nurse
• Participate in shift reports and communicate during internal and external transfers
• Participate in unit performance improvement activities to enhance quality of care and customer service
• Assist with data collection as requested
• Recommend modifications for performance improvement
• Demonstrate leadership and utilize critical thinking skills to solve problems
• Serve as a resource person and patient advocate
• Perform effectively as a preceptor or mentor to new hires and students
• Assist in maintaining and decreasing organizational and departmental costs
• Support the department's compliance with state, Joint Commission, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies
• Assist in maintaining survey readiness for inspections
• Adhere to infection control processes, including standard precautions
• Provide for patient safety in compliance with hospital and nursing department policies
• Utilize two forms of patient identification before implementing any patient care
• Assume appropriate code team role during code situations or mock codes
• Respond effectively during emergency situations, including internal and external disasters
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff
• Properly collect, identify, label, and deliver specimens and diagnostic studies to appropriate departments
• Support limited use of restraints in accordance with established standards and document according to policies
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to follow directions from team members
• Ability to work independently on assigned duties
• Strong ability to communicate complex and controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification approved by the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) or ability to obtain within five days of hire
• Act 33 clearance with renewal
• Act 34 clearance with renewal
• Act 73 FBI clearance with renewal

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a Nurse Aide program or comparable program such as EMT, Medical Assistant, or nursing student with at least one semester of clinical experience
• Prior experience in a related field
• Computer skills
• Phlebotomy experience
• EKG experience

Schedule and Employment

• This is a casual position with scheduling based on operational need
• Incumbents will rotate shifts, standby, and on-call assignments as needed
• Travel may be expected locally between Independence Health locations
• Position requires the ability to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, and bending
• Frequent hand and arm coordination
• Frequent reaching forward and occasional reaching above shoulder level
• Frequent gross grasping and occasional fine finger manipulation
• Occasional sitting and squatting or crouching
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds
• Occasional lifting from seat pan to knuckle up to 50 pounds
• Occasional lifting from knuckle to shoulder up to 10 pounds
• Frequent pushing and pulling with 10 to 20 pounds of force
• Occasional pushing and pulling with up to 50 pounds of force
• Frequent transfer, push, and pull of patients
• Constant near vision with acuity and constant hearing ability
• Occasional sensation and feeling
• Use of lifting and transfer devices is essential; when lift requirement exceeds 50 pounds, two-person lift assistance and/or transfer device is required

Work Environment

• Direct patient care in a hospital cardiovascular services setting
• Exposure to blood and body fluids
• Exposure to chemicals and latex
• Occasional exposure to respirator protective equipment
• Frequent use of eye protection and hand protection
• Occasional use of body protection
• Occasional exposure to ionizing radiation
• Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield, and mask are required according to CDC guidelines