Wound Care Technician I

RML HEALTH PROVIDERS•Chicago, IL

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (WOCN) and according to established policies and procedures, provides basic nursing care to patients, and clinical and clerical support to the WOCNs. Assists WOCNs with complex patient care up to the validated level of training. May function as a staff PCT when requested to do so, based upon operational need. Maintains competence in the PCT role as described in the PCT job description. Provides age and developmentally appropriate care to the adult and geriatric patient and their family.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Demonstrates successful completion of PCT competencies to validate all required skills.
Basic computer skills, including basic data entry, required.
Effective January 2001, all Patient Care Technicians must have acquired skills in providing basic care to patients through documentation of:
Completion and documented evidence prior to January 1996 of a nursing assistant education program certified by the State of Illinois
Successfully passed the written nursing assistant competency test after January 1996, or
Be an enrolled nursing student who has completed one semester of clinical training, or
Demonstrated completion of a hospital-based PCT training program and/or equivalent PCT experience subject to the approval of the respective Unit Manager and Chief Nursing Officer.
The analytical ability to observe significant signs, symptoms and changes in patient condition and accurately report and document patient related data.
The interpersonal skills necessary to consistently interact in a courteous and professional manner with patients, families and staff; reinforce patient performance of basic care techniques, communicate with family members; and interact with various levels of hospital staff.
Demonstrates clear verbal and written communication skills.
The physical ability to transport patients and carry supplies and equipment.
The organizational skills necessary to deal with a number of tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Supports the Mission and Vision of RML Specialty Hospital by demonstrating RML's Core Values of Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Stewardship (STAIRS) in all actions. Promotes a positive patient/customer experience by exemplifying the principles of the Language of Caring in all interactions with patients, families and co-workers.
When functioning in the staff PCT role, provides technical nursing care up to the validated level of training for the individual, under the direction of the staff nurse. Functions of the staff PCT are those listed in the PCT job description and include, but are not limited to:
Provides timely and complete personal hygiene care and activities of daily living, including bathing, turning, weighing, toileting, ambulating, positioning, and feeding patients. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and isolation practices in all situations.
Obtains vital signs and other patient data, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration. Measures and records patient intake and output. Performs calorie counts. Empties urinary drainage bags, linen hampers, etc. Removes and replaces patient soft restraints according to policy after initial restraints have been applied by RN.
Supports the established respiratory care needs of patients. Replaces tracheostomy mask, nasal cannula or ventilator tubing that has become disconnected or displaced, and notifies RN or RCP. Replaces pulse oximeter probe on patient’s finger; observes pulse oximeter readings while providing care and notifies nurse or RCP of low readings. Reports pulse oximeter, ventilator or telemetry alarms to the RCP or RN.
Performs common bedside tests including blood glucose monitoring, and checking stools for occult blood. Reports findings immediately to the patient’s nurse, and documents in Meditech.
Observes and reports patient signs and symptoms and responses to treatments. Reports changes in the patient’s condition to the registered nurse and respiratory therapist.
Answers call lights and responds to needs for all patients, not just those assigned. Assists other staff members in providing care to any patient on the unit. Offers assistance to other staff without being asked.
When functioning as the Wound Care Technician, provides direct clinical and clerical support to the Wound Clinicians. These functions include the following, and other related tasks:
Revise Wound Care Census daily to reflect new admissions and discharges.
Separate, file, discard orders from printer.
Order wound and ostomy supplies, including wound VAC sponges and canisters, if supply is low.
Refill WOCN bags and stock cotton tipped swabs, skin preps, etc. as needed.
Download pictures from camera into Meditech.
Keep the Wound Care offices well organized and orderly. Notify housekeeping when needed.
When not immediately helping the wound nurses, the PCT will assist with patient care, patient transports, patient weights, patient lifts and transfers, etc.
Prepare patient treatment supplies, including 4x4s, ABDs, wound cleaner, paper tape, cotton tipped swabs, skin preps. Assist with set up and clean up of supplies and equipment and leaves the patient environment clean and orderly.
Assist with patient preparation, clean-up, and positioning patients for dressing changes.
Remove dressing and clean wound.
Adhere to all hospital infection control policies. Ensure that all reusable supplies and equipment are thoroughly cleaned between patients.
Performs related services and duties such as cleaning equipment, obtaining and replacing patient room supplies, and similar related activities. Ensures that all supplies used are charged according to policy.
Insures the enhancement of personal knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education programs and reading pertinent literature, etc.
Maintains confidentiality of the patient’s clinical and personal information and medical record. Uses information systems, including computer systems, for hospital business only and within all hospital policies for information confidentiality and system security. Complies with HIPAA guidelines.
Conducts all communications with patients, families and staff in a positive, respectful manner. Answers telephones in a pleasant, professional manner. Directs callers to appropriate personnel and/or relays information. Pages personnel and physicians.
Documents accurately and timely in Meditech.
Provides an environment that is safe for the patient based on age and developmental status. Activities include, but are not limited to: responding to call lights and alarms quickly with appropriate intervention, using patient’s name and date of birth to identify patient prior to performing patient testing, complies with swallowing and skin breakdown precautions, and implements appropriate interventions consistent with the falls prevention protocol.
Actively participates in staff meetings and continuing education activities. Participates on committees or task forces and attends meetings as may be assigned. Meets all annual and ongoing employee requirements (TB screening, flu vaccination, Annual Review, Annual Clinical Validation, and performance evaluation, etc.) by demonstrating completion prior to due date.
Responsible for supporting a safe work environment for self and others, by reporting unsafe conditions, and by using appropriate safe work practices such as proper body mechanics and applicable safety devices (patient lift and transfer equipment; safety needles and sharps disposal, PPE, etc.). Complies with Employee Health Services policies regarding illness and injury reporting.