UPMC Hamot – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The NICU at UPMC Hamot is seeking a Part-Time Patient Care Technician (PCT) to support our highly specialized neonatal team.
Schedule: Part-Time | Day, Evening, and Night rotation required
Title and starting pay rate of this position may vary based on years of experience.
Position Overview
The NICU Patient Care Technician plays a vital behind‑the‑scenes role in supporting safe, efficient, and uninterrupted neonatal care. This role offers a high level of autonomy and is best suited for an organized, self‑motivated individual who thrives in a fast‑paced, detail‑oriented environment.
Hands‑on patient care is limited; the primary focus is unit organization, equipment and supply readiness, infection prevention, and operational support—allowing bedside caregivers to remain focused on direct patient care.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical & Unit Support
- Maintain appropriate stock of supplies, linens, and formulas; monitor expiration dates.
- Clean and disinfect NICU equipment (e.g., isolettes, warmers, carts, cribs, scales, workspaces, refrigerators) per established guidelines.
- Troubleshoot and report equipment malfunctions.
- Prepare formula as directed by Dietitian/RN staff.
- Order, receive, and manage donor breast milk.
- Perform daily and monthly point‑of‑care controls.
- Perform and document infant hearing screenings; communicate results to RN/APP staff.
- Transport specimens and equipment as needed.
- Respond promptly to emergencies and nursing requests.
- Welcome families, respond to doorbells/phones, and ensure strict hand hygiene upon NICU entry.
- Maintain cleanliness of family lounge areas, including meal tray pass and removal.
- Provide patient and family education under RN direction.
- Support departmental projects and quality initiatives.
Access to medications is limited to distribution to the nurse.
Safety, Communication & Teamwork
- Monitor infant security systems and bedside cameras; report issues immediately.
- Establish and maintain professional, respectful working relationships.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness, professionalism, and accountability.
- Promote a safe environment for patients and coworkers.
Documentation & Quality
- Document hearing exams accurately per policy.
- Complete assigned tasks efficiently and assist with clerical duties as needed.
- Adhere strictly to infection prevention, safety, confidentiality, and hand hygiene standards.
- Contribute ideas to improve workflows and quality outcomes.
Professional Development
- Independently prioritize daily activities.
- Give and receive constructive feedback.
- Identify learning needs and seek development opportunities.
- Participate in self‑review and performance improvement activities.
UPMC Patient Care Technician Core Responsibilities
The PCT must routinely perform UPMC Nursing Assistant responsibilities, including:
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning/repositioning
- Vital signs, weights, intake & output
- Point‑of‑care testing (including blood glucose)
- Telemetry monitor application/reapplication
- HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs)
- Specimen collection, bladder scanning, simple dressings
- Placement/removal of restraints
- Assisting with therapies and procedures
- Reporting patient status changes to the RN
Advanced Skills (as needed by department)
The PCT may be required to maintain competency in one or more of the following:
- Phlebotomy/venipuncture
- Peripheral IV removal
- Foley catheter removal
- Basic arrhythmia recognition
- 12‑lead EKG
- NG tube clamping and removal
- High School Diploma or equivalent, and one of the following:
- Enrollment in a nursing program with:
- 1 year of general healthcare experience OR
- 6 months as a UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days OR
- Completion of at least one nursing program clinical rotation
- Successful completion of the UPMC PCT class upon hire
- Basic computer skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Licensure, Certifications & Clearances
- BLS/CPR (AHA‑compliant; within 30 days of hire)
- ACLS preferred
- Act 31 Mandated Reporter Training (within 90 days)
- Act 33, Act 34, Act 73 FBI Clearance (with renewal)
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veteran status.