Patient Care Technician - Heart and Kidney Unit

Welcome to the Heart and Kidney Unit!

https://childrensnational.org/news-and-events/video-gallery/welcome-to-the-heart-and-kidney-unit

3E-Heart and Kidney Unit (HKU): is a 20-bed unit which focuses on family-centered care for children with cardiac and renal diseases. On the HKU, patients range in age from neonates through adults. Patients may be receiving care for: 
•    Heart surgery 
•    Diagnostic or interventional cardiac catheterizations 
•    Dialysis 
•    Acute or chronic renal failure 
•    Nephrotic or nephritic disorders 
•    Organ transplantation 

All patient beds have cardiac and respiratory monitoring. The HKU primarily admits patients from the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Ambulatory Clinic, PACU and EMTC. The unit also admits 23-hour patients with cardiac and renal disease. 

In collaboration with the multidisciplinary health care delivery team, under the direction of the Registered Nurse perform basic nursing care activities, assist in maintaining a safe, clean, stocked patient care setting, assist staff members and help direct patient flow .

Minimum Education
High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
1 year Experience in a health care setting if possible pediatrics; one semester clinical experience completed at an accredited school of nursing or military corpsman training. (Preferred)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Basic computer skills (typing, use of mouse, e-mail).
Knowledge of aseptic technique.
Basic calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
Human relations and interpersonal skills.

Required Licenses and Certifications
Patient Care Technician (CPCT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or EMT (Required)
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required)

Functional Accountabilities
Patient Services - Admission

• Include but not limited to-orienting family to use of call lights, monitor and unit.

• Set up of monitor and alarms.

• Perform vital signs, height, weight and head circumference.

Patient Services - Daily Living

• Patient ADL’s include but not limited to daily bath, skin care with mouth care and peri-care.

• Ensure proper nutrition as ordered (ng, gt, or tray).

• Care of tube feeding and feeding of patients.

• Application of skin creams as directed by RN.

• Collection of cultures, urine and stool samples, etc.

Direct Patient Care

• Recognize and report pain and skin breakdown.

• Prioritize tasks and special requests from RN.

• Assist in performance of trach care and EVDs.

• Assist with central line dressing, pin care, cast and traction care and care for dying patients.

• Assist with preparation of room for discharge and admission; assist with patient flow by maintaining a neat and orderly environment.

• Obtain equipment and supplies and maintain PAR levels.

Monitor Surveillance

• Observe and alert RN when there are monitor deviations

• When assigned to monitor bank will follow the monitor guidelines to dress code and professionalism.

Infection Control

• Care for isolation patients.

• Adherence to hand washing before and after every patient.

• Clean equipment after each patient’s use.

Documentation

• Document on nursing database, flow sheets and vital signs in a timely manner and notif