Patient Care Technician - Oncology Unit

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Join UPMC St. Margaret’s 5A Oncology Unit as a Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician, where compassion meets excellence in cancer care. In this vital role, you’ll provide hands-on support to patients and collaborate closely with our skilled nursing team to deliver exceptional care. This position offers rotating 12-hour shifts (6:00 AM–6:00 PM or 6:00 PM–6:00 AM) and includes weekend and holiday requirements, ensuring continuity of care for patients when they need it most.

About 5A Oncology

The 5A Oncology Unit specializes in comprehensive care for patients undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, symptom management, and supportive therapies. Our team is dedicated to creating a healing environment that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and personalized care. In addition to oncology services, the unit manages complex medical needs, requiring strong teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

Patient Care

Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning.

Support physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies as directed.

Provide feedback to the RN and promptly report changes in patient status.

Offer patient and family instruction under RN supervision.

Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints per physician or hospital protocol.

Core Clinical Tasks

Perform UPMC Nursing Assistant core responsibilities:
Vital signs, blood glucose checks, weights, intake/output, specimen collection, Foley care, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, and patient safety checks.

Complete at least four of the following tasks:
Phlebotomy, 12-lead EKG, simple dressing changes, Foley catheter removal, point-of-care testing, bladder scan, straight catheterization, or IV catheter removal.

Advanced Skills (as needed)

Maintain competency in one or more advanced skills based on department needs:

Phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley removal, basic arrhythmia recognition, 12-lead EKG, NG tube clamping/removal.

Communication & Teamwork

Communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.

Establish professional, respectful relationships with colleagues, patients, and families.

Respond to unit needs, including answering call lights, phones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.

Safety & Compliance

Report equipment malfunctions promptly.

Adhere to all hospital policies, safety protocols, and standard precautions.

Support department initiatives, quality improvement projects, and process changes.

Professional Development

Accept feedback constructively and take action to improve skills and performance.

Identify learning needs and seek assistance in planning and prioritizing tasks.

Participate in self-review and ongoing education.

Documentation

Accurately document patient care in the medical record according to established procedures.

Complete clerical tasks as needed.

This position is posted as a Patient Care Technician, which is a valued step in UPMC's Patient Care Support Career Ladder. The final candidate will be placed in the appropriate title and salary based on experience and education.

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Nursing Assistant Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Training: Successful completion of UPMC Nursing Assistant or EIC training program.

Training Schedule: Tuesday–Thursday during your start week, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM. Attendance for all three days is required.

Skills:
Knowledge of body mechanics and safe transfer techniques.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Certification: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.

Medication Access: Limited to distribution of medication to the nurse.

Patient Care Technician Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience (must meet one of the following):
1 year of general healthcare experience, OR

6 months as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion, OR

Enrollment in PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field.

Training:
Successful completion of UPMC Patient Care Technician class.

Successful completion of basic information system training.

Skills:
Microcomputer experience preferred.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Certification: EMT or Paramedic certification (or current enrollment in EMT/Paramedic program) preferred.

Medication Access: Limited to distribution of medication to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Act 34 with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran