Patient Care Tech - Hospice - PRN

Work Shift

Variable/Rotating Shifts

Scheduled Weekly Hours

0

Summary

This position supports Mercy’s philosophy of patient centered care by providing safe and effective patient care by performing tasks and support functions under the supervision of a Licensed Nurse. Patient Care Technicians may fulfill an expanded role by performing additional tasks and responsibilities as delegated by their department.

Job Description

Job Duties

• Ensure that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed.
• Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcome
• Provide safe and effective patient care under the supervision of the licensed nurse by performing tasks and support functions as delegated by department
• Observe and communicate to the licensed nurse any changes in patient condition and pertinent information regarding the needs of the patient and/or significant others
• Demonstrate effective and age-appropriate communication as well as the ability to understand the needs of the patient including non-verbal communication, fears, anxieties and language/cultural barriers
• Maintains accurate and real time documentation of patient care provided
• Assures patient privacy by knocking on doors, closing curtains and protecting patient information
• Responds within scope of practice to emergencies and life-threatening conditions
• Demonstrates support for changes in practice designed to improve performance.
• Organize and prioritize daily work, taking into account the needs of patients, families and other health care workers
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of patient rooms and department work areas
• Assist in identifying quality improvement opportunities and demonstrate support for changes in practice designed to improve performance
• Ability to prioritize tasks, identify needs for changes in priorities and takes the initiative to recommend and implement changes in concert with their supervisor. 
• Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.

Hospice Community:

• Maintains professional boundaries while providing compassionate care and emotional support in the end-of-life care setting
• Demonstrates accountability in time management, flexibility in scheduling and good
  organizational skills to meet the ever-changing needs of patients and families at end of life
• Follows the patient plan of care and communicates to the supervising RN and / or IDT with changes in patient condition or when changes to the plan of care are deemed necessary
• (Community) In addition to personal care services will provide light household services and minor meal preparation as outlined in the patient plan of care
• (Oldorf Hospice Hospice) Assists with meal preparation for Hospice House patients –additionally responsible for maintaining pertinent kitchen regulatory practices (i.e. temperatures, cleaning)

Hospice House:

• Provide emotional support and education to patient and family regarding the end-of-life process, in a kind and compassionate manner.
• Work independently as well as within an interdisciplinary team and demonstrate ability to adapt and maintain flexibility in schedule.
• Utilize critical thinking skills and good communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Role Models exemplary customer service skills including verbal and non-verbal skills and proper phone etiquette
• Creates a welcoming environment for all healthcare team members.
• Demonstrates the ability to provide safe and effective patient care
• Must have the ability to remain focused in stressful situations and perform multiple tasks quickly.

Professional Experience

• Previous Patient Care Tech or Certified Nursing Assistant experience preferred

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred
• In addition, ONE of the following is preferred: 
  • completion of a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Health Support Professional program ­
  • a minimum of 2 years in a baccalaureate program ­
  • one year in an Associate's Degree in Nursing program
  • comparable education, training and experience in the absence of successful completion of a CNA or Health Support Professional program
• Hospice House & Community- Education sufficient to obtain CNA certification required.

Licensure, Certification, Registration

• Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support, in accordance with the American Heart Association required.
• Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse and Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required. Employee must submit certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date.​
• Hospice House & Community - Current CNA certification required.
• Hospice House & Community - Current valid driver's license, valid auto insurance and have own transportation required. As of 1/1/2012 any incumbent has been grandfathered.

Physical Requirements

Heavy: Exert 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 25-50 lbs. of force frequently

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.

Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.