Patient Care Technician Apprentice Program

Job Title: Patient Care Technician Apprentice Program
Department:
Shift: 1st
Specialty:
Job Number: 2023-3075
Date Posted: 08/24/2023
Position Type: Clinical Support Staff

Job Qualifications:

We are seeking a Patient Care Tech Apprentice to join us at Rush University Medical Center!

This is a Full-Time position
80 hours every two weeks

The PCT Apprentice will be enrolled in an external training program. Following the completion of the mandatory program, candidates will transition into a full-time position as a Patient Care Technician.

The PCT Apprentice role is a temporary position that may not be held beyond the duration of the corresponding career pathway program. Reporting to the Unit Leadership.

Position Highlights:

The PCT Apprentice performs a variety of clinical and environmental tasks under the direction of the Clinical Instructor, Registered Nurse and/or Preceptor. The PCT Apprentice duties are of a technical nature requiring specialized training and skill. The PCT Apprentice demonstrates the ability to care for patients of all ages in the clinical setting. The PCT Apprentice exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Position Responsibilities:

Under Clinical Instructor, Registered Nurse and/or Preceptor supervision/guidance:
Assists the RN in the delivery of patient care.
Maintains a safe patient environment.
Sets priority of duties based on needs of patient and unit.
Participates in the implementation of individualized plans of care.
Assists patients in activities of daily living.
Performs routine procedures, treatments and specimen collections.
Assists RN or physician with advanced procedures.
Assists the nurse in the management of uncomplicated tubes and drains.
Performs specific patient care procedures such as blood glucose testing, specimen collection, etc.
Immediately reports any changes in patient condition to the Clinical Instructor.
Communicates all pertinent information to the appropriate team member throughout the shift and to the oncoming shift.
Transports patients and (other) items as needed.
Assists with admission, discharge, and transport of patients.
Transports laboratory specimens and patient belongings as required.
Obtains blood products, supplies and equipment as necessary.
Maintains a safe and orderly, well-equipped environment.
Maintains a safe work environment: Keeps patient rooms and unit orderly, according to guidelines and unit routine.
Orders, organizes and restocks according to unit specifications.
Replenishes patient room supplies.
Other duties as needed or assigned.

Patient Observation
After completion of external training the program the PCT Apprentice may fill the Patient Safety Observer Role and/or the Patient Care Sitter Role. This is an entry level clinician serving in the role of a safety assistant who is tasked to provide continuous observation and readiness to safely interrupt a patient's attempt to flee, self-harm (e.g. falls) or disrupt medical interventions critical to safe care of patients due to medical, psychiatric or neuro-cognitive disorders
Assists the Registered Nurse (RN) in the observation of the patient.
Orient patient to room and environment every hour or as needed.
Engage in conversations to calm patient, reorient patient or guide patient to prevent harm to patient or self.
Provides observation and is in the line of sight of assigned patient.
Intervenes and calls for assistance when patient attempts to interfere with care or medical devices.
Calls RN/PCT team for questions, concerns, and patient care needs.
Reports any change(s) in patient behavior or condition to RN and/or Charge RN.
Accompanies patients off the unit for all tests or procedures.
Partners with RN to determine if additional security is necessary when patient(s) are off unit for testing.
Reports to charge RN or designee for assignment of duties.
Provides status updates to incoming and off going care team.
Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
Communicates all pertinent information to the RN/PCT throughout the shift.
Maintains customer service focus during all interactions.
Documents in patient medical record as indicated

Position Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
Successful completion of internal and department screening/training required
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of tasks required
Demonstrates ability to take initiative and follow directions required
Excellent communication and customer service skills required
Capability to interact effectively with others in demanding situations required
Demonstrates a professional work style in interactions with internal and external customers
Demonstrates initiative and self-direction in work habits.
Basic computer skills preferred

Working Conditions and Physical Limitations:
Ability to walk throughout the Medical Center and to be standing or walking most of the designated shift
Ability to transport objects, patients and equipment

Company Highlights:
Rush's 14-story hospital Tower is the cornerstone of the Rush Transformation, and is the symbol of a philosophy-an evolution in the delivery of patient-centered care.
Rush is a not-for-profit health care, education and research enterprise comprising Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, Rush Oak Park Hospital and Rush Health.
Rush University Medical Center is a five-time Magnet facility located in Chicago, IL www.rush.edu
Leading academic medical center, acute care hospital w/ 676 licensed beds.
RUMC offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits & the professional advantages of an environment that supports your development & recognizes your achievements.
Rush University is home to one of the first medical colleges in the Midwest and one of the nation's top-ranked nursing colleges, as well as graduate programs in allied health, health systems management and biomedical research.

As one of the most popular cities in the nation, Chicago is a cultural, historical and diverse city. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago in known for its nearly 200 distinct neighborhoods and its extensive park systems, along with its sports teams, museums and vibrant theater community.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Salary : $35,800 - $45,300