Patient Care Technician – Per Diem

Baystate Health is seeking a Patient Care Technician on a per diem basis to provide direct patient care under the coordination of the Registered Nurse. In this role, you will perform a variety of technical and bedside functions including patient hygiene, skin care, mobility assistance, and monitoring. You will develop multi-skills to meet unit needs, including phlebotomy and EKG procedures, and will manage equipment and assist with procedures as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide age-appropriate direct patient care, applying knowledge of developmental stages across different age groups
• Monitor and record routine vital signs within specified timeframes
• Obtain and document weights, heights, abdominal girths, and head circumference (pediatric patients) as ordered
• Report significant deviations in vital signs immediately
• Record and report changes in normal drainage patterns including gastric, wound, and blood drainage
• 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 providing bedpans, urinals, and emesis basins immediately upon request
• Accurately label and send specimens of urine, feces, and sputum within 30 minutes
• 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
• Assist with ancillary services as directed, following specified treatment plans
• Monitor patient condition during treatment and notify appropriate personnel of unexpected occurrences
• Provide observations to the RN based on patient-related care
• Communicate effectively with the team and patients in a respectful and informative manner
• Recognize culturally based patient and family needs
• Respond effectively in emergency situations while maintaining patient safety
• Function as a member of the healthcare team, assisting with both clinical and non-clinical activities
• Maintain competency for one-to-one observation of patients based on department and unit-specific needs

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of patient care experience (may include long-term care, specialty, acute care, or other settings)
• GED or HiSET
• Basic Life Support certification from American Heart Association
• Certified Nurse Aide certification
• Proficiency in reading and writing in English
• Ability to maintain professional composure in medium to high-stress situations
• Effective communication skills

Compensation

• Hourly rate: $17.98 - $20.68 - $24.12 (minimum - midpoint - maximum)
• New hires typically start in the lower part of the range; actual salary varies by position and candidate experience