Patient Care Technician Medical Surgical

Baystate Wing Hospital, a 74-bed community hospital in Palmer, Massachusetts, is seeking a Patient Care Technician for its 46-bed Medical Surgical unit. This position provides direct patient care under the coordination of the Registered Nurse, including hygiene, skin care, mobility monitoring, phlebotomy, EKGs, and equipment management. You will work across telemetry, intermediate care, and emergency department overflow, gaining exposure to multiple clinical specialties.

Clinical Setting

Baystate Wing Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and designated a Primary Stroke Service hospital by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The Medical Surgical unit includes telemetry and intermediate care capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide age-appropriate direct patient care including hygiene, skin care, and mobility assistance
• Monitor and record routine vital signs, weights, heights, and other measurements within specified timeframes
• Report significant deviations in vital signs and changes in patient drainage patterns immediately
• Perform dressing changes within one hour of the specified timeframe
• Provide post-mortem care as directed by the RN
• Perform all procedures outlined in the nursing procedure manual
• Assist physicians with exams and simple procedures
• Verify patient identity by checking identification bracelet before performing any procedure
• Assist patients with elimination needs and make bedpan, urinal, and emesis basin available immediately upon request
• Accurately label and send specimens of urine, feces, and sputum within 30 minutes
• Measure and record intake and output per established policy
• Administer enemas or Harris Drips as ordered
• Perform Point of Care (POC) testing
• Assist with ancillary services and treatment delivery as directed
• Monitor patient condition during treatment and notify appropriate personnel of unexpected occurrences
• Communicate effectively with team and patients in a respectful and informative manner
• Recognize culturally based patient and family needs
• Respond effectively in emergency situations and maintain patient safety at all times
• Function as a team member and assist colleagues with clinical and non-clinical activities
• Maintain competency for one-to-one patient observation based on unit-specific needs

Schedule

• 24-hour position
• Day shift
• Every other weekend and holiday required

Required Qualifications

All levels require:

• BLS CPR Certification through American Heart Association

Level I:

• PCT training or CNA training preferred

Level II:

• High school diploma or GED
• At least one year of patient care experience (may include long-term care, specialty, or acute care settings)

Level III:

• High school diploma or GED
• Three or more years of patient care experience in varying settings OR at least one year as a Level II PCT at Baystate Health

Level IV:

• High school diploma or GED
• Four or more years of acute or specialty-specific care setting experience OR at least one year as a Level III PCT at Baystate Health

Skills and Competencies

• Proficient in reading and writing in English
• Able to maintain professional composure in medium to high-stress situations
• Effective communication skills

Compensation and Benefits

Base pay range: $17.01 - $21.57 - $28.08 per hour (based on level and experience)

Benefits include:

• High-quality, low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO up to 25 days in the first year with scheduled earned increases
• Continuing education support and reimbursement
• First-time home buyer financial packages
• Farm share memberships
• 403(b) retirement with company match and annual contribution increases based on years of service
• Free money coach advice from a certified professional
• Wellbeing programs including mental, physical, and financial health support
• Pet, home, auto, and personal insurance
• Life insurance
• Reimbursement for wellbeing activities including gym membership, personal trainer, and massage

Note: A resume is required to fully determine experience level and placement within the career ladder.