Patient Care Technician (full-time)

Under the direction and supervision of the physician and in accordance with the authorized scope of practice for the level, assists in the delivery of patient care. Works collaboratively with the health care team including nursing staff and other health care providers to meet the physical, psychosocial, educational and spiritual needs of the patient and family.

Essential Job Functions

• Supports and models behaviors consistent with the mission, vision, values and philosophy of Billings Clinic and the Emergency Department. Functions within the core competencies and "Minimum Specifications" set forth by the organization.
• Responds in a timely, pleasant, efficient manner to the ED phone lines, using PSE guidelines; able to transfer calls. Adheres to confidentiality (HIPPA) and patient right requirements.
• Pleasantly greets patient upon entering ED (waiting room) and directs to next available triage room, if Chief complaint is emergent will immediately notify Triage Nurse. Obtains and/or records vital signs, including height and weight and places on white board for RN charts and documents in patients record according to documentation guidelines. Collects laboratory specimens as needed. Performs Point of Care (POC) laboratory testing (glucometer) as listed in the job description.
• Performs basic patient care, treatments, and documentation approved by the Physician or delegated by RN.
• Assists patient's activities during ED care, such as showers, ambulating and turning, crutches, walkers, wheelchair or stretchers, transfers and assists with patient transports within the ED & facility.
• Obtains and records vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, and pulse oximetry using manual & automatic technology. Additionally performs postural vital signs, obtains weights & heights, visual acuities, and specific POC testing (i.e. precision Glucometer).
• Measures, records, and provides, for patient: intake of food and fluid which includes partial and total assistance with feedings; output from bodily functions/specified drainage devices and collects specimens as directed by the physician. Works collaboratively within the ED patient care team
• Reports changes in patient condition, patient needs, and patient/visitor problems to the ED Physician AND Primary Nurse/or ED Charge Nurse.
• Documents all care provided utilizing appropriate ED documentation-CERNER FirstNet and/or ED paper chart guidelines.
• Assists in preparing wounds for suturing, i.e., cleansing and irrigation of the wound and setting up of all equipment (including sterile supplies) for suture procedure.
• Performs EKGs as required and places patients on cardiac monitors.
• Assists in preparing patient for MD exam, Patients need to be changed into a gown for assessment (i.e., assisting patient to undress, providing warm blankets, ice, extremity elevations, etc.)
• Assists Diagnostic Imaging Tech with X-ray procedures as needed, as well as assisting in transfer of patients to CT or US.
• Assists in the safety search of designated patient(s) as needed. (Following safety search policy)
• Institutes seizure precautions when applicable
• Assists MD/RN with gastric lavage as directed (ED only).
• Assists ED physician/RN as needed with tasks such as providing supplies and equipment.
• Responds to patient call lights and reports patient requests to MD/RN caring for patient.
• Completes documentation following patient disposition, i.e. admission and discharge and transfer.
• Sets up initial IV fluid bag including priming tubing adhering to aseptic technique at the specific request of the MD/RN
• Establishes peripheral IV line upon MD's request. Applicable to PCT II (with EMT) & III only. Discontinues peripheral IV lines upon MD request per education requirements Applicable to PCT II (with EMT) & III.
• May establish ultrasound IV's after class/competency completion (level II (with EMT) & Level III only.)
• If trained/competent in I/O may insert under request/supervision of ED physician. (level II (with EMT) & Level III only.)
• Maintains clean patient environment by assisting in the cleaning and maintenance of the waiting room, patient rooms and the ED unit. Performs linen changes for occupied beds while maintaining proper patient body alignment and comfort.
• Knowledge and competence in all equipment cleaning
• Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment
• Is versed in aseptic and sterile technique
• Visual acuity's
• Performs phlebotomy procedures per established ED and laboratory guidelines for collection and processing of specimens.
• Applies and removes restraints according to Billings Clinic policy.
• Assists with ambulance/helicopter/flight transfers into the ED. Is knowledgeable in admission, transfer and discharge of patient (including equipment) intra-facility and EMTALA/HIPPA regulations.
• Understands system for disaster callbacks of ED staff and Emergency/Kardex notebook. Identifies and anticipates problems and safety issues and initiates appropriate action. Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly environment for patient and visitors. Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental, and outside agency safety standards relevant to job performance. Identifies and anticipates problems and safety issues and initiates appropriate action
• Has well developed computer skills with ability to document in The FirstNet CERNER program. Able to use Outlook for sending and receiving E-mail communication. ~it is the employees responsibility to document all cares (i.e. IVs, ambulation, vitals, etc) and patient contact they perform. As well as checking organizational email.
• Utilizes performance improvement principles to assess and improve the quality of patient care.
• Takes responsibility for identifying own development needs; meets all system and departmental educational requirements. Attends required meetings and participates in committees as requested. Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job performance.
• Refers more difficult problems to the MD, RN, , PCT II and/or III
• Active participant in keeping a safe work environment.
• Able to perform all basic CNA and/or/EMT patient care requirements Competency in:
• Performing basic phlebotomy procedures to include a variety of draw sites, specimen preparation
• EKGs.
• Wound care/dressings.
• Splinting.
• Vital signs
• Patient safety search
• Understanding and compliance of 1:1 policy
• May be cross-trained to Unit Clerk job role

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of Billings Clinic policy and procedures, both departmental and organizational
• Regulatory standards and requirements
• Billings Clinic Corporate Compliance
• Billings Clinic Code of Business Conduct
• Customer service techniques and Personal Service Excellence (PSE) skills
• Patient care treatment, planning and assessment within scope of practice
• Interpersonal (PSE)skills necessary in order to interact with patients, families, and physicians
• Demonstrates empathy and sensitivity necessary to elicit patient's cooperation and allay apprehensions
• Phlebotomy techniques and utilization of vacutainer and other phlebotomy equipment
• Performing EKG's
• Performing basic patient care and treatments within scope of certification/license
• Performing a safety search
• Performing computerized documentation according to unit guidelines.
• Critical thinking
• Patient Care II (with EMT or CMA) & III
• IV techniques
• I/O insertion
• Incorporate population specific needs into all aspects of patient care and communications; scope of services will encompass age groups ranging from infant through geriatric
• Utilize time management concepts or maximize time effectively
• Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Utilize critical thinking skills
• Respond calmly and professionally in difficult situations and when dealing with difficult patients and/or family members
• Lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Professional conduct when dealing with co-workers, patients, and visitors. Resourcefulness in dealing with simple to moderate complexity requires ability to prioritize duties with assistance of nursing personnel.
• Practices within the scope and level of certification/licensure

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Medical training as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Certified Assistant (MA), EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic

Experience

Level I

• Preferred at least 6 months direct patient-care experience (EX: CNA, MA, or EMT) in an acute, ambulatory, or pre-hospital setting. Exposure to emergency or critical care preferred or formal college coursework in a healthcare-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, as evaluated and determined by Billings Clinic. Individuals in this category are expected to develop proficiency in core patient care procedures and workflows consistent with the PCT role and applicable to all patient age groups.

Level II

• Minimum 1 year of direct patient-care experience in acute or emergency setting as PCT, CNA, MA, EMT with IV Endorsement, or AEMT
• Demonstrated competency with IV starts, phlebotomy, wound care, and EKGs
• Proficient in Patient Care Tech procedures and processes encompassing all age groups.
• Experience mentoring new staff or participating in skill validation preferred

Level III

• Minimum 2 years Emergency Department / work experience as a PCT, EMT, or MA necessary to develop an in-depth understanding of all aspects of operational functions and enhanced proficiency levels in the performance of patient care tech skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize care, delegate appropriately, and support team efficiency
• Actively participates in orientation, preceptorship, and quality improvement initiatives

Certifications and Licenses

• Current Montana license as Certified Nurse Assistant and/or EMT certification or college training in a health-related field.
• EMT certification with IV endorsement (Level II)
• CPR Certification BLS for infant, child and adult upon hire (ACLS for Level III)
• Must successfully pass Billings Clinic phlebotomy training upon of hire.