Perioperative Technician/PCA

Overview

Provides compassionate personal care and support services under the supervision of a registered nurse that assists the patient in the achievement of physical and emotional comfort and healing. Under the supervision of the RN assist in planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating the activities occurring in the nursing station by performing clerical and receptionist duties and maintaining the physical environment of the area.

Responsibilities

measure and record intake and output

measure and record vital signs, O2 Saturation, weight, height

positioning patients; lifting and turning patients;

applying/utilizing special equipment;

assisting in use of bedpan, urinal or commode;

ambulating the patient;

pre-operative and post-operative care;

application/removal of anti-embolism stocking and SCD devices;

removal of foley catheters;

perineal care; vaginal irrigations (non-sterile); sitz baths

non-medicated enemas;

application of heat and cold;

care of the incontinent patient;

skin care to the immobilized patient;

removal of saline lock,

emptying of colostomy bags;

application of appliances for heat and cold;

performing blood sugars.

placing patients on cardiac monitors   

set up of oxygen equipment

feeding patients

collecting, labeling, and transporting of lab specimens

Adhering to cardiac monitor responsibilities:

Observation of cardiac monitoring status on all patients.  For breaks and lunch, makes sure that the monitor station is attended by qualified staff. 

Validates cardiac alarms have been assigned to caregivers at the beginning of each shift.

Notifies staff of alarms, changes in cardiac rhythm, and when there is a leads off alarm.

Validates the monitoring status (rhythm present on sector, status of stand-by, etc.) of each patient at least every 2 hours, at change of shift and during hand-off communication for breaks and lunch.  Documents validation on the appropriate form.       

Performs monitor count each shift to assure all monitors are present, as appropriate for area.

Accurately transcribing of orders, assembling, maintaining and disassembling of medical record, answering phones, intercoms and communicating messages.

DCH Standards:

Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.

Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook

Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.

Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Approved previous experience in giving patient care or completion of in-service education classes required. Approved previous experience in clerical functions or completion of in-service education required. High school education or equivalent required. Candidates with patient care experience, those currently enrolled in a nursing program or those with prior customer service experience are preferred. Requires computer and/or computer software knowledge or experience. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORK CONTEXT

Communicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussion

Dealing with unpleasant or physically aggressive personalities

Must be able to deal with conflict

Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately

Must be able to receive delegation

Must be able to work in groups

Must be able to perform structured and unstructured work

Must be meet time pressure and time lines

Must be able to perform in exact and accurate manner

Must be able to use electronic mail, telephone and texting

Includes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions

Requires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Very heavy work. Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking

Must be able to reach reasonable distances in any direction

Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop and lift

Must be able to run in an emergency

Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and must be able to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips

Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation

Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range

Must possess stamina to work 12-hour shift

Physical presence onsite is essential