Patient Care Tech Rehab

Functions as a member of the patient-centered care team to provide direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse for assigned patients and their families/significant others. Assists nursing medical and therapy staff with procedures/tests and rehabilitation treatments; supports patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Performs specific care activities such as specimen collection, phlebotomy, intravenous (IV) catheter insertion, electrocardiography (EKG), and documentation in the health record. Incumbents in this position may perform all, or a combination of the duties described depending upon the assigned work area and the specific needs of the patients and the department.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Completion of an approved nursing assistant certification program required

Experience

• Experience as a care technician preferred
• General health care experience in an acute care, long-term care or other settings preferred
• Student nurse in junior or senior year preferred
• 1-2 years experience as a certified nursing assistant required

Licenses and Certifications

• CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant in the District of Columbia required
• CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification preferred
• BLS - Basic Life Support required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality and safety standards, and SPIRIT Values. Complies with governmental regulations and accreditation standards.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Basic math knowledge; verbal and written communication skills.
• Participates in patient/family teaching as directed and responds to questions from patients, families and visitors in a prompt, courteous, and respectful manner, referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.
• Receives and stocks equipment and supplies and maintains orderly supply and utility rooms.
• Maintains the cleanliness and safety of patient rooms/environment by distributing and changing linen/towels, removing used meal trays, checking bed siderails and safety restraints, etc. Assists with environmental services support such as linen management, trash removal and cleaning patient rooms as needed.
• Collects specimens (e.g., blood, urine, sputum, stool); performs venipuncture/phlebotomy; obtains EKGs; and inserts intravenous (IV) catheters, changes of IV sites and dressings, and routine inspection of IV sites.
• Assists in the measurement and documentation of patient's intake and output (I&O). Accurately takes and records patient's vital signs, height and weight, pulse oximetry, point of care and waived testing (i.e., finger sticks for glucose monitoring/Accucheck, urine dipstick, hemoccult), and other pertinent data or information in the patient's health record.
• Assumes other duties as assigned.
• Attends staff meetings, ongoing educational offerings, and participate in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal hygiene, including bathing, mouth care, dressing, skin care, positioning, feeding, ambulation, toileting, and range of motion activities. Assists with patient mobilization and rehabilitation, use of crutches and walkers, and transfer/transport of patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
• Transports and/or escorts patients during discharges, transfers, and/or medical appointments. Completes errands such as delivering specimens to the laboratory, equipment, and supplies, etc., as required.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy and confidentiality, and dignity of each patient in the delivery of services. Performs patient observation duty, including 1:1 observation, and safe application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations and procedures.
• Performs routine sterile, non-sterile (e.g., application of thermal soaks) and other treatments/activities identified by unit/hospital policy inclusive of but not limited to: tube feedings; ostomy care; placement of condom catheters, Foley Catheter care and removal; bladder scanning and straight catheterization; perineal care; simple dressing changes and wound care; turning and positioning; maintenance of drainage tubes; care of oxygen equipment; assistance with the application, maintenance and removal of traction, casts, splints and exercise equipment; bowel evacuation procedures; suppositories and digital stimulation; postmortem care and transportation of body to the morgue.
• Rounds on all assigned patients based on established standards (e.g., hourly purposeful rounding). Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients/families, including changes in the patient's condition, to the registered nurse and other care team members as necessary. Ensures complete hand off to oncoming shift and obtains full hand off from outgoing shift. Initiates and assists in CPR when indicated.