Patient Care Technician I - Inpatient, 4 East, Per Diem

UMass Memorial Health is seeking a Patient Care Technician I for the Inpatient 4 East unit. Under the direction of licensed clinicians, you will perform a variety of patient care activities while receiving workplace education and training to support the healthcare team in caring for patients.

Clinical Setting

This position is based on the 4th Floor East inpatient unit at UMass Memorial Health, a premier health system in Central Massachusetts.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes in patients, including changes in skin condition, vital signs, and mental status
• Provide constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the Resource Nurse or designee
• Participate in maintaining a safe environment, utilizing de-escalation interventions and participating in restraints according to training and policy
• Assist patients with daily living activities including personal hygiene, ambulating, meals, and nourishment
• Assist in moving, lifting, positioning, and transporting patients using proper safety techniques and body mechanics
• Maintain patient safety through safety checks, fall prevention strategies, and adherence to restraint policies
• Take and record vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry; measure and record weights and heights
• Perform EKGs, Point of Care tests, and bladder scanning; collect, label, and prepare specimens for lab transport
• Perform unit-specific procedures such as telemetry battery changes, equipment checks, cleaning, and supply management
• Assist RNs and Licensed Independent Practitioners with treatments and procedures by preparing patients, obtaining equipment and supplies, positioning patients, providing emotional support, and cleaning up afterward
• Observe, measure, and record oral food and fluid intake; refill tube feeding bags as directed; empty and record output from foleys, ostomy appliances, and drainage systems; perform ostomy care on established ostomate patients as directed
• Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to patients' needs by building positive rapport and relationships
• Provide respectful, culturally and age-appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors, and others
• Replenish patient and unit supplies and equipment as needed
• Request assistance from identified resources when additional direction is needed
• Stay current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards, bulletin boards, notices, and responding to emails regularly
• Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives
• Attend required meetings, conferences, and seminars
• Demonstrate quality improvement in daily operations
• Comply with all health and safety regulations and requirements
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance

Required Qualifications

• Minimum high school education or GED
• Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days as a condition of employment
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner
• Basic computer skills
• Basic Medical Terminology knowledge
• Ability to remain calm when under stress or in emergency situations

Physical Demands

• Work indoors in a patient care environment
• Hand dexterity, hearing, and vision to take direction, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient observations
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Heavy demand work involving standing and walking most of the time with possibility of pushing heavy equipment and bending frequently

Schedule

• Per Diem position with mixed shifts
• 8-hour shifts
• One full weekend per month required
• Scheduled hours vary based on assignment

Compensation

• Hiring range: $15.00 - $25.82 per hour based on a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week
• Final offer varies based on scheduled hours, experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations
• Compensation for part-time or reduced schedules will be prorated based on scheduled weekly hours
• Signing bonus may be available; eligibility will be confirmed during the interview process

Employment Status

• Non-Exempt
• Per Diem