Under supervision of a licensed nurse, the Patient Care Tech provides supportive care to meet the needs of individual patients. Serves as a patient advocate within the health care system. Performs the daily comfort and care needs of patients, and assists nurses and other health care team members with patient care. May provide daily clerical support to the nursing unit. Assists with the safety, comfort, care, and treatment of patients according to established standards. Participates in the Hospital’s Quality Improvement and Service Excellence programs. Demonstrates understanding of the philosophy, objectives, and adheres to policies and procedures of the department and organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Delivers appropriate care to patients, at a competent level, according to the needs of the patient and population served, including assistance with activities of daily living, obtaining vital signs, etc.
• Adheres to infection prevention protocols.
• Demonstrates an understanding of patient rights, including those pertaining to confidentiality, informed consent and privacy.
• Demonstrates adaptability, problem solving and professional behavior at all times.
• Participates in a systemic, interdisciplinary, and ongoing process improvement to achieve desired client-centered outcomes.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education, competence validation; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Maintains patient charts accurately and neatly
• Monitors all clerical supplies for unit including printed forms, paper products, ink/toner cartridges for equipment and others as assigned.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, & courteously with everyone encountered; manages time efficiently.
• Acknowledges individual approaching desk and offers assistance immediately.
• Actively participates in survey readiness activities and assures that department is compliant with all regulatory standards.
• Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.
• Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

LATITUDE, CONTACTS/INTERACTIONS

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members.  Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: prior healthcare experience preferred.
• Licensure/Certification:  Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of employment, before patient care is administered independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent: standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling & reaching.
• Occasional: sitting, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, & twisting.
• Visual and hearing acuity required; Color vision required for perceiving changes in patients’ skin color and colors of medicines and solutions.  Work is mostly inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature.
• Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, moving mechanical parts, potential electric shock, radiant energy, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens.