Patient Care Technician Child and Adolescent Unit

Baystate Health is seeking a Patient Care Technician for the Child and Adolescent Unit. In this role, you will work under the coordination of the Registered Nurse to provide direct patient care, perform technical tasks, and assist with bedside functions for pediatric and adolescent patients. You will be responsible for a variety of clinical duties including patient hygiene, skin care, mobility assistance, vital sign monitoring, equipment management, and procedure support. This position requires knowledge of developmental stages across different age groups and the ability to provide age-appropriate care.

Responsibilities

• Provide age-appropriate direct patient care, applying knowledge of developmental stages and theories when implementing care for different age groups
• Monitor and record routine vital signs within specified timeframes; obtain and document weights, heights, abdominal girths, and head circumference as ordered
• Report significant deviations in vital signs immediately and document any changes in normal drainage patterns (gastric, wound, blood)
• Change dressings within one hour of the specified timeframe per established procedure
• Provide post-mortem care as directed by the RN according to facility policy
• Perform all procedures outlined in the nursing procedure manual within your area of responsibility
• Assist physicians with exams and simple procedures
• Verify patient identity by checking identification bracelet and band before performing any procedure
• Assist patients with elimination needs by making available bedpan, urinal, and emesis basin immediately upon request
• Accurately label and send specimens of urine, feces, and sputum within 30 minutes of the specified timeframe
• Accurately measure and record intake and output per established policy
• Administer enemas or Harris Drips as ordered per established procedure
• Perform Point of Care (POC) testing as applicable
• Assist with ancillary services by following specified treatment plans and monitoring patient condition during treatment
• Notify appropriate personnel of unexpected occurrences and provide information to the RN based on patient observations
• Interact with patients and families in a respectful and informative manner, recognizing culturally based needs
• Respond effectively in emergencies and maintain patient safety at all times
• Communicate effectively with appropriate personnel during emergencies
• Assist team members with clinical and non-clinical activities
• Demonstrate competency for one-to-one observation of patients based on unit-specific needs
• Demonstrate competency in performing EKG based on unit-specific needs
• Maintain competencies and complete clinical recognition program requirements for your career ladder level

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency in reading and writing in English
• Ability to maintain professional composure in medium to high-stress situations
• Effective communication skills
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic Life Support certification from American Heart Association
• Certified Nurse Aide certification

Preferred Qualifications

• PCT (Patient Care Technician) training
• CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) training

Compensation

Hourly rate: $17.01 to $22.81 per hour (midpoint $19.55). New hires typically start in the lower part of the range. Actual salary varies based on relevant experience.