Patient Care Tech - Spine and Joint Unit (PT- 0.6 FTE, Night Shift)

The Spine and Joint Unit at Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center provides care for all adult and pediatric surgical patients requiring acute inpatient care. The patient population is comprised of orthopedic surgeries, including elective and trauma.
The patient care tech is accountable for coordinating care for the patient with the nurse. The tech implements the plan of patient care in accordance with established methods and techniques under the direction of the nurse. The tech will function within the Bozeman Health standards of care which include accountability for planning, implementing, evaluating and communicating all phases of care for assigned patients.
A patient care tech on the Spine and Joint Unit routinely performs tasks in meeting the patient’s physical needs; reports observations and patient comments to the nurse; gives close attention to detail in providing care and reporting patient condition changes; documents I&Os, vital signs, etc. as requested; assists as requested by nursing, including hourly rounding on patients in conjunction with the nurse. The patient care tech is self-directed, possesses excellent communication skills, and completes assignments accurately, thoroughly, and with minimal oversight.

Position Summary: 

The Patient Care Tech (PCT) functions as a member of the team to support patient care which may include the Tele-Companion, and Tele-Tech programs. They are responsible for the more complex personal patient care duties such as supporting diagnostic procedures, assisting with technical nursing treatments, patient charting, and patient instruction. All of these activities require direct work relationships with patients and participation as a member of the nursing care team in direct services to patients.

The Tele-Companion is responsible for the safety of a patient admitted to the hospital because of physiologic, mental and/or behavioral limitations that are deemed at risk for additional self-injury. 

Tele-Tech responsibilities include coordinating availability of telemetry transmitters, lead cables and other monitoring supplies and applying electrocardiography leads.

Ambulatory Patient Care Tech responsibilities may also include but are not limited to performance of chart review, pre-visit planning, patient intake, production and management of schedule tracking and referral reports, scheduling of patient appointments, referrals, prodedures, and lab tests, coordination of the prescription assistance program, and patient pre and prior-authorization.

Patient Care Techs must have excellent analytical and technical skills, must be detail oriented, and demonstrate adaptability to change based on evidence-based practice. Patient care techs will function in alignment with Bozeman Health duties and delegation policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• American Heart Association BLS

Preferred

• Nurse Aide or Emergency Medical Technician certification
• Prior work experience in health care
• Prior education in or work experience with medical terminology

Essential Job Functions:

In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must have on-time completion of all required education as assigned per DNV requirements, Bozeman Health policy, and other registry requirements.

PCTs will undergo standard training followed by demonstrated competence prior to performance of the following duties.

• Meet the Patient Care Tech competency assessment/skills checklist requirements within three (3) months of hire
• Complete Safety Companion/TeleCompanion competency and training where applicable

• Utilize Standard Precautions in caring for all patients
• Provide for patient safety
• Maintain and promote patient satisfaction
• Perform basic nursing care with dignity and respect
• Collect and document patient information including but not limited to, vital signs, height, and weight, in the patient electronic health record
• Order necessary supplies
• Perform designated basic treatments and procedures as specific to work area
• Perform additional role-appropriate skills following training and demonstrated competence

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates sound judgment, patience, and maintains a professional demeanor at all times
• Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality
• Performs essential job functions successfully in a busy and stressful environment
• Learns current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Analyzes, organizes, and prioritizes work while meeting multiple deadlines

Schedule Requirements

• This role requires regular and sustained attendance.
• The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts.
• On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.

Physical Requirements

Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds): Exerting force occasionally and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people.

Sit (Occasionally): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.

Stand (Repeatedly): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.

Walk (Repeatedly): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination.

Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms.

Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly): Twisting, bending, and stooping require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.

Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability.

Push/Pull (Repeatedly): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.

Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.

Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials.

Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.

Exposures (Continuously): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed. Various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances. Infectious diseases are caused by contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses. Emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with distressed patients or difficult family interactions.

*Frequency Key:  Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%).

77330160 Spine & Joint Institute