About the job
The Patient Care Technician embodies the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, strictly adhering to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program while ensuring compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory standards.
In this crucial role, the Patient Care Technician will assist and support Professional Registered Nurses in both direct and indirect patient care activities. This position operates as an integral member of the unit staff under the guidance and supervision of professional nursing staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct Patient Care Activities:
- Facilitates the admission, transfer, and discharge processes.
- Records vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, weight (for both adults and neonates), height, and blood pressure.
- Monitors and documents intake and output, including output from drains.
- Operates cardiac monitors and oximetry devices.
- Conducts EKGs.
- Follows infant security protocols with diligent assessment of band placements.
- Administers normal newborn hearing screenings.
- Collects capillary blood glucose samples for adults and neonates.
- Performs phlebotomy procedures.
- Sets up fetal monitoring equipment for pregnant patients.
- Discontinues heplocks and Foley catheters; administers enemas if required.
- Collects specimens (urine, stool, blood, and sputum) for analysis on adults and neonates. Routinely checks on patients, anticipating their needs and observing newborns in the nursery.
- Responds promptly to patient call lights, especially emergency alerts.
- Distributes fresh drinking water and snacks to patients. Prepares patients for meals and assists with feeding when necessary, including feeding newborns as assigned.
- Provides morning care, bed baths, and evening care in accordance with established Nursing Care Procedures, including peri-care for appropriate patients.
- Ensures comprehensive newborn care, including bathing, dressing, obtaining footprints, and assisting with feeding (both bottle and breast), as well as glucose checks.
- Maintains cleanliness by making occupied and unoccupied beds.
- Assists with patient ambulation, instructing on the use of walkers, canes, and crutches as appropriate for the assigned unit.
- Supports pre- and post-operative care; positions patients as per orders; applies safety equipment; and utilizes proper body mechanics when lifting and turning patients.
- Implements comfort and safety measures, including side rails and call lights.
- Prepares oxygen and suction equipment along with other respiratory aids for adults and neonates.
- Applies dressings for Stage I and II skin breakdown. Prepares patient rooms for MD or RN assessments, evaluations, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, assisting as needed in the normal newborn nursery.