UPMC Hamot Nursing Assistant in Pediatrics

UPMC Hamot is looking for a casual Nursing Assistant in Pediatrics!

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides direct, hands-on care to patients and supports the overall functioning of the department in alignment with established policies and procedures. Working under the direction of a nurse or physician, the PCT ensures that patients consistently receive the highest quality of care.

Core responsibilities include completing activities of daily living (ADLs)such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patientsas well as point-of-care testing (e.g., blood glucose), vital signs, intake/output monitoring, weights, telemetry application, and prevention measures (TEDs/SCDs). PCTs also perform tasks including specimen collection, simple dressings, restraint placement/removal, bladder scans, and patient transport ("ticket to ride").

In addition, depending on department needs, PCTs may be trained and maintain competency in advanced skills such as phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia recognition, 12-lead EKG, and NG tube clamping/removal.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver safe, compassionate, and efficient patient care, supporting ADLs and assisting with procedures and therapies.
• Provide feedback to RNs and promptly report changes in patient condition.
• Support patients and families with education under RN direction.
• Respond to patient needs, call lights, phones, and unit activities, including meal tray delivery and patient transport.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and other departments, fostering respectful and professional relationships.
• Participate in department quality initiatives and contribute ideas for improvement.
• Maintain compliance with hospital safety policies, procedures, and infection control standards.
• Document care accurately and in a timely manner.
• Receive and act on feedback to enhance knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Demonstrate accountability, motivation, and commitment to patient care and teamwork.
• Complete clerical tasks as needed to support unit operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Competencies:

• Must demonstrate core PCT competencies and achieve proficiency in designated advanced skills as required by department needs.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and communicate clearly with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Commitment to patient safety, cultural sensitivity, and professional conduct.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Enrollment in a Nursing Program with one of the following:
• At least 1 year of general healthcare experience, OR
• At least 6 months of experience as a UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with Patient Care Technician competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion, OR
• Completion of at least 1 clinical rotation in a nursing program
• Successful completion of the UPMC Patient Care Technician class upon hire.
• Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Microcomputer experience preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Access to medications is limited to the delivery of medications to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification required within 30 days of hire (must meet AHA standards including both didactic and skills demonstration components).
• ACLS certification preferred.
• Act 31 Mandated Reporter Training within 90 days of hire/transfer, with renewal as required.
• Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance with renewal.
• Act 34 Criminal Clearance with renewal.
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.