Patient Care Tech Ambulatory at CHESAPEAKE REGIONAL HEALTHCARE

Patient Care Tech Ambulatory

The Patient Care Tech, Ambulatory is responsible for assisting the Pre-Op, PACU, Phase Two, Eye Center, and PAT Office. Tasks include retrieval and assembly of all required documentation for the patient's medical record; obtaining medical data from physician offices, including surgeon orders and diagnostic results; ensuring records are accurate and complete prior to the end of the workday; providing support by answering telephones and escorting patients from the front lobby to the preoperative units; performing vital signs and measuring height and weight; assisting with room turnovers; transferring patients via recliner, stretcher, or wheelchair; and providing clerical and computer assistance as designated.

Tasks performed are based on accepted medical/surgical standards of care and are performed within the scope of the technician's education, training, and experience. The technician will work under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

Patient Transport

• Demonstrates competency in transporting patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the mechanics and functionality of recliners and stretchers.
• Performs patient identification prior to transporting.
• Utilizes correct body mechanics when moving patients and equipment.
• Notifies RNs upon departure and return of patients being transported.
• Ensures entrances to doorways or emergency gas shutoffs are not blocked during transport or when storing stretchers, wheelchairs, and other equipment.

Direct Patient Care

• Answers call lights.
• Escorts patients to the pre-op unit and initiates pre-op instruction and education with patients and families.
• Performs urine pregnancy tests and blood glucose monitoring according to facility policy and anesthesia protocol. Reports findings to nursing staff and documents results appropriately.
• Demonstrates competency in performing and documenting vital signs, oxygen saturation, intake and output, and oxygen therapy as directed; documentation reviewed by the RN.
• Assists nursing staff by obtaining patient histories, medical information, and medication lists in a competent manner.
• Retrieves diagnostic lab and other test results for the medical record.
• Maintains current CPR training and initiates basic life support measures as needed under the supervision of an RN.
• Consults with and keeps the Charge Nurse informed of patient needs.
• Assists nurses with delegated tasks while maintaining compliance with established nursing standards.
• Observes and assists patients as indicated and alerts nursing personnel as needed.
• Removes IVs, Foley catheters, and drains as assigned.
• Assists patients with ambulation and transportation to vehicles.
• Assists with the use of bedpans, urinals, bedside commodes, and bathrooms.
• Empties and measures drainage from J-Vacs, Hemovacs, and Foley drainage bags.

Aseptic Technique

• Demonstrates competency in aseptic technique while handling unit stock, equipment, and specimen collection.
• Employs sterile technique when assisting with Epidural Steroid Injection procedures.
• Maintains clean, orderly, and well-stocked work areas.
• Rotates supplies with attention to expiration dates.
• Delivers specimens to the CRMC lab area as directed by the RN.
• Thoroughly cleans equipment and stretchers prior to return to storage and between patient uses.

Department-Specific Duties

• Uses equipment according to policies.
• Assesses safety of all equipment used and reports malfunctions appropriately.
• Demonstrates understanding of departmental resource costs and conserves resources whenever possible.
• Promptly reports problems or concerns to the Charge Person or RN.
• Adapts well to changes in the work environment.
• Prioritizes and organizes work to achieve maximum efficiency.
• Assists with Epidural Steroid Injection procedures when assigned, including maneuvering and positioning the C-arm under physician direction.
• Logs all OR specimens sent from the Surgery Center to CRMC or outside laboratory services when assigned.
• Performs data entry for patient tracking during the patient's operative course at the Surgery Center.

Scheduling

• When assigned, performs duties of the Surgery Center OR Surgical Scheduler.
• Avoids scheduling conflicts to enhance turnover times.
• Demonstrates familiarity with facility instrument sets and equipment located at the Surgery Center.
• Follows through with questionable cases as they are scheduled.
• Communicates with physician offices in a timely and helpful manner.
• Offers alternative dates for scheduling to promote efficiency of the Surgery Center.
• Communicates with the OR Manager when new surgical cases require special requests.

Professional Standards

• Demonstrates strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills by listening carefully, asking appropriate questions, and understanding key issues.
• Maintains professional and positive communication with all customers.
• Attends required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services.
• Demonstrates commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Clinical Manager Supervises: None Responsibilities: Not applicable

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education: Not applicable.

Experience:

• Two or more years of current hospital or medical office experience preferred.
• Coursework in medical terminology preferred.

Certification: Applicant must have current BLS certification or obtain certification within 90 days of hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.