Patient Care Technician I
T12 Cardiology
1.0 full-time, night shifts with rotation + every other weekend & holiday rotation
Shifts:  11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (40 hours/week)
Union position:  AFSCME
Posted:  8/13/2025

Are you looking for a patient care support opportunity to start and grow a rewarding healthcare career?  UPMC Altoona is looking for a Patient Care Technician I to help support T12 Cardiology!

We now offer a Night Program – if qualified, you could receive an additional $2 per hour on top of our current off-shift differential ($1.10).  Must have 6 months of experience to qualify and must commit to work all full-time shifts as night shifts.

As a Patient Care Technician with UPMC, you'll have a meaningful impact in the care of our patients every day.  We offer training for qualified entry level candidates to learn and demonstrate the skills needed to be a successful Patient Care Technician.

Direct Patient Care Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care as directed by the RN including all activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting and ambulating patients.
• Performs routine tests such as blood glucose monitoring, patient weights, vital signs and I&Os.
• Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and report changes in patient status.
• Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital related information.
• Responds within the scope of the nursing assistant role to emergent situations.
• Provides companionship/supervision one-on-one with patients as required.
• May apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol. Provide diversion activities to reduce or prevent use of restraints.
• Documents in the medical record according to established procedures.

Supportive Patient Care Activities

• Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers, and distributes patient mail.
• Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
• Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, performing messenger functions, ordering, charging/crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the nursing assistant position and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas.
• Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to, completing safety checks, keeping the department and patient rooms clean and organized, cleaning department specific equipment, changing bed linens, emptying linen hampers, keeping hallways clear of equipment and returning equipment.

Professional Development & Communication

• Establishes appropriate and effective communication strategies.
• Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
• Takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director.
• Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Participate in self-review as requested by the unit director.
• Constructively receives feedback and direction.

Departmental & Safety Responsibilities

• Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understands policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
• Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges.
• Suggests and supports changes within the department.

Experience Required:

• None
• Direct patient care experience is preferred but not required.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• If no previous hospital or pre-hospital training, successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class OR successful completion of the first year of clinical work in a nursing program.
• Successful completion of basic information system training.
• Microcomputer experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the 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

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran