About the job
The Patient Care Technician embodies the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, upholding the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, while complying with all relevant policies and regulatory standards.
In this pivotal role, the Patient Care Technician is responsible for assisting and supporting the Professional Registered Nurse in various aspects of direct and indirect patient care activities. This role functions collaboratively as part of the unit staff under the supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct Patient Care Activities:
- Facilitates the admission, transfer, and discharge processes for patients.
- Records vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, weight for adults and/or neonates, height, and blood pressure.
- Monitors and documents intake and output, including output from drains.
- Utilizes cardiac monitoring and oximetry.
- Performs EKGs and adheres to infant security protocols.
- Conducts normal newborn hearing screenings.
- Collects capillary blood glucose samples from adults and/or neonates.
- Conducts phlebotomy procedures.
- Applies Fetal Monitoring equipment on expectant mothers.
- Discontinues heplocks and Foley catheters, and administers enemas as needed.
- Collects various specimens (urine, stool, blood, and sputum) from patients.
- Anticipates patient needs and observes newborns in the nursery.
- Responds promptly to patient call lights, particularly emergency alerts.
- Delivers fresh drinking water and snacks to patients, assists with meal preparations, and feeds patients as necessary.
- Provides morning care, bed baths, and evening care as per established Nursing Care Procedures.
- Offers newborn care, including bathing, dressing, obtaining footprints, and assisting with feeding (both bottle and breast).
- Maintains patient bedding, making occupied and unoccupied beds.
- Assists in patient ambulation and provides instruction on the use of walkers, canes, and crutches.
- Supports pre-and post-operative care, positioning patients as ordered, and applying safety equipment.
- Implements comfort and safety measures, including side rails and call lights.
- Sets up oxygen and suction equipment as necessary for adults and/or neonates.
- Applies dressings for Stage I and II skin breakdown.
- Prepares patient rooms for assessments and procedures performed by MDs or RNs.