Patient Care Technician

Our Discharge Lounge is a dedicated space where patients can comfortably wait for their ride home after being discharged from the hospital. Located on the 3rd floor, the lounge features recliners and a calm environment for patients transitioning out of care.

This Patient Care Technician plays a key role in the success of our discharge lounge.  Responsibilities include:

• Opening and closing the lounge (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM)
• Transporting discharged patients from hospital units to the lounge and assisting them to their ride
• Providing basic support such as conversation, water, and light refreshments
• This role ensures patients have a positive discharge experience while helping hospital operations run more efficiently.

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) is responsible for a variety of tasks and services to assist in the provision of care and comfort for patients under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The PCT will report and record observations and contribute to the efficient functionality of the department.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:    

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Patient Care

• Partners with the RN and other healthcare team members to achieve patient care outcomes and goals of care, as identified in the plan of care.
• Obtains records and/or accurately enters data into the EMR, as identified in the PCT Scope of Practice. Competency validation and documentation of skill performance is required.
• Performs specific tasks as directed by the RN and other healthcare team members, following competency validation.
• May assist with responsibilities of the Unit Secretary, per department expectations and appropriate competency validation.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living.
• May assist in transporting medications that are not controlled substances from pharmacy delivery devices to medication storage areas on patient care unit, as well as transporting medications from patient care unit to pharmacy.
• Demonstrates an awareness of patient and personal safety.
• Incorporates St. Luke’s Comfort/C.A.R.E. Professional Practice Model in their daily care

Effective Communication

• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with patients, families, healthcare team members and other customers. Verbal communication is clear and precise. Written communication is legible, if handwritten, and done in a timely manner using approved abbreviations.
• Verbally presents factual, concise, and timely information and/or patient care data to the RN, the healthcare team, patients and/or family members in a professional manner.
• Real-time EMR documentation is done in accordance with hospital and unit policies.
• Hand-offs will be done with attention to detail and with safety as a high priority. Hand-offs are utilized to communicate patient treatment and assessment information, patient education needs, goals of care and other quality care measures at each change of caregiver or setting of care.
• Collaborates with healthcare team to provide patient care.
  • Consults with RN and/or other healthcare team members, as appropriate.
  • Obtains instruction and supervision, as necessary, when implementing new or unfamiliar tasks or duties.

Basic UPH Performance Criteria        

• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff. Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

Education:

• Completion of a fundamentals course in nursing school (preferred)

Experience:

• At least one year of clinical experience (preferred)

License/Certification(s):

• Maintain current BLS certification
• Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons
• CNA or Prepare to Care certificate (preferred)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Writes, reads, speaks, and comprehends fluent English
• Be able to complete a bsic computer course on the Electronic MEdical Record (EMR) through in-hospital training

Other:

• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential fnuctions of the position