## Patient Care Technician at WVU Medicine - Weirton Medical Center: Your Path to a Healthcare Career Are you a compassionate and dedicated individual looking to make a real difference in the lives of patients? WVU Medicine's Weirton Medical Center (WMCH) is seeking enthusiastic Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) to join our team. As a PCT, you'll play a vital role in providing essential care and support to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This position offers a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience in the healthcare field, develop your skills, and advance your career within the WVU Medicine system. Whether you're a recent graduate of a nurse assistant training program, a nursing student, or someone with previous clinical experience, we encourage you to apply. ### Role Overview: What You'll Do as a Patient Care Technician As a Patient Care Technician, you'll be responsible for assisting with a wide range of patient care activities, ensuring their comfort, safety, and well-being. Your duties will include: * **Direct Patient Care:** Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. * **Vital Signs Monitoring:** Accurately measuring and recording vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. * **Specimen Collection:** Collecting and preparing various specimens for laboratory testing, such as urine, stool, and sputum. * **Mobility Assistance:** Helping patients move around safely, including ambulating, transferring from bed to chair, and positioning. * **Safety Measures:** Implementing patient safety protocols, such as raising side rails, applying restraints (under RN direction), and ensuring call lights are within reach. * **Assisting with Procedures:** Assisting nurses with various procedures, such as enemas, catheter care, and wound care. * **Documentation:** Accurately documenting patient care activities and observations in the electronic health record. * **Communication:** Communicating effectively with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team. * **Maintaining a Clean Environment:** Ensuring a clean and organized patient care area. * **Performing EKGs:** Performing 12-lead EKGs as directed (excluding SCU). ### A Day in the Life of a Patient Care Technician No two days are exactly alike for a Patient Care Technician, but here's a glimpse of what you might experience: **Morning:** * Begin your shift by receiving report from the previous PCT, learning about any specific patient needs or concerns. * Assist patients with their morning routines, such as bathing, dressing, and oral hygiene. * Take and record vital signs for assigned patients. * Collect and prepare specimens for laboratory testing. * Help patients with breakfast and ensure they have adequate hydration. **Afternoon:** * Assist patients with ambulation and range-of-motion exercises. * Change bed linens and ensure patient rooms are clean and tidy. * Assist nurses with procedures, such as wound care or catheter insertion. * Monitor patients for any changes in condition and report findings to the nurse. * Assist with preparing patients for meals and provide feeding assistance as needed. **Evening:** * Assist patients with their evening routines, such as bathing and changing into pajamas. * Take and record vital signs for assigned patients. * Administer medications (under the direct supervision of a nurse). * Assist patients with toileting and ensure their comfort. * Prepare patients for sleep and ensure a safe and restful environment. * Document all care provided and report any concerns to the oncoming PCT. ### Why Weirton, West Virginia? Your Home Away From Home Weirton, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to big-city amenities. Located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, Weirton boasts: * **Affordable Living:** Lower cost of living compared to many other areas in the United States. * **Friendly Community:** A welcoming and supportive community atmosphere. * **Outdoor Recreation:** Access to numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. * **Proximity to Pittsburgh:** Just a short drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering access to cultural attractions, entertainment, and dining. * **Rich History:** A town steeped in industrial history, with a vibrant arts and culture scene. ### Career Path: Grow Your Healthcare Career with WVU Medicine The Patient Care Technician role is an excellent stepping stone to a rewarding career in healthcare. WVU Medicine is committed to providing opportunities for professional growth and development. Here are some potential career paths you can pursue after gaining experience as a PCT: * **Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):** Obtain your CNA certification and expand your skills and responsibilities. * **Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):** Pursue an LPN degree and provide more advanced nursing care. * **Registered Nurse (RN):** Earn your RN degree and become a registered nurse, leading patient care and managing healthcare teams. * **Other Healthcare Roles:** Explore other healthcare roles within WVU Medicine, such as medical assistant, phlebotomist, or emergency medical technician (EMT). WVU Medicine offers tuition reimbursement programs and other resources to support your career advancement. ### Salary and Benefits: Competitive Compensation and Comprehensive Benefits WVU Medicine offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The salary for a Patient Care Technician at Weirton Medical Center typically ranges from $29,000 to $42,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Vacation, sick leave, and personal days. * **Retirement Plan:** 401(k) with employer matching. * **Life Insurance:** Basic and supplemental life insurance options. * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term disability coverage. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Assistance with continuing education costs. * **Employee Discounts:** Discounts on various products and services. ### WVU Medicine Culture: A Commitment to Excellence and Compassion WVU Medicine is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our core values include: * **Patient-Centered Care:** Putting patients first and providing personalized care. * **Excellence:** Striving for the highest standards of quality and safety. * **Integrity:** Maintaining honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct. * **Teamwork:** Working together to achieve common goals. * **Innovation:** Embracing new ideas and technologies to improve patient care. As a member of the WVU Medicine team, you'll have the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. ### How to Apply: Join the WVU Medicine Family Today! If you're ready to embark on a rewarding career as a Patient Care Technician at WVU Medicine's Weirton Medical Center, we encourage you to apply today! Simply click the "Apply" button at the top of this page and complete the online application. We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming you to the WVU Medicine family! ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. **What are the minimum qualifications for the Patient Care Technician position?** * High School Diploma or equivalent. * Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire. * Graduate of a nurse assistant training program OR Nursing Student. 2. **Is CNA certification required?** * CNA certification is preferred but not required. 3. **What is the typical work schedule for a Patient Care Technician?** * PCTs typically work full-time or part-time, with rotating shifts that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. 4. **What kind of training will I receive as a new Patient Care Technician?** * You'll receive comprehensive orientation and training, including classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and mentorship from experienced staff. 5. **What opportunities are there for career advancement?** * WVU Medicine offers numerous opportunities for career advancement, including CNA certification, LPN or RN degrees, and other healthcare roles. 6. **What is the dress code for Patient Care Technicians?** * PCTs are typically required to wear scrubs, which are provided by the hospital. 7. **What is the patient-to-PCT ratio?** * The patient-to-PCT ratio varies depending on the unit and patient acuity. 8. **What is the work environment like at Weirton Medical Center?** * Weirton Medical Center offers a supportive and collaborative work environment, with a focus on teamwork and patient-centered care. 9. **Are there opportunities for overtime?** * Opportunities for overtime may be available depending on staffing needs. 10. **Who can I contact if I have questions about the position?** * You can contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department at the number provided on the career page.