Patient Care Technician

PURPOSE:

The Patient Care Technician (Non-Certified CNA) provides basic, supportive patient care under the direct supervision of licensed nursing staff in the acute care environment. This role assists with daily activities, promotes patient comfort and safety, and contributes to efficient unit operations. The patient care technician is an essential member of the care team, ensuring that patient needs are met promptly and compassionately.

ENVIRONMENT:

Lincoln Health is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital. The facility employs 150-200 employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Care

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and feeding.
• Measure and record vital signs (if permitted by facility policy) and report abnormalities to licensed staff.
• Assist with patient mobility: repositioning, transferring, ambulation, and use of assistive devices.
• Monitor and report changes in patient condition, behavior, or safety risks to the RN/LPN.
• Provide comfort measures such as fresh water, clean linens, adjusted pillows, and environmental preferences.
• Support safe patient transport to procedures, imaging, or other departments as directed.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow infection prevention and control standards, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation protocols.
• Maintain a clean, safe patient environment and promptly report hazards.
• Assist with fall prevention, patient rounding, and safety checks as required by unit policy.
• Document care activities accurately and in a timely manner using approved systems.

Unit Support

• Stock and organize supplies, equipment, and patient rooms.
• Assist nursing staff with equipment setup and maintenance within scope of responsibility.
• Respond promptly to call lights and patient requests.
• Support admission, discharge, and transfer processes (e.g., gathering belongings, preparing rooms).

Professional Conduct

• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to hospital policies, including HIPAA.
• Demonstrate respectful, therapeutic communication with patients, families, and staff.
• Participate in required training, competencies, and performance evaluations.

EXPOSURE RISK:

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced acute care environment with frequent patient interaction.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, infectious agents, and various medical equipment.
• Requires ability to lift/push/pull up to [X] pounds.
• May involve rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

SUPERVISORY RESPONISIBILITIES:

Will report to the nursing staff and the Chief Nursing Officer.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, standing, and transferring patients.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred

• Previous healthcare or caregiving experience (hospital, long-term care, home health, or similar).
• Experience working in a fast-paced or acute care setting.

Core Competencies

• Compassionate patient-centered care
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Reliability and time management
• Adaptability and stress tolerance
• Attention to safety and detail