Covenant Health

Neuro Patient Care Tech, Neuroscience Unit

$3,000 Sign-on Bonus for experienced PCTs

Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

At Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center we specialize in neurological treatment and hold the longest running comprehensive stroke certification in the region - we provide full cycle, cutting edge stroke treatment including neurosurgical procedures, and neurointerventional radiology. We are a tertiary referral center for stroke and neurological care, meaning other hospitals trust us with their most complex patients.

The Neuroscience unit (5 North) at Fort Sanders Regional is a 35 private bed unit providing care for patients with neurological symptoms, including patients undergoing neurosurgical interventions and/or procedures. Patients who come to 5 North are often recovering from Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVAs, also known as strokes) or seizures. We specialize in the treatment of the post-operative patient including C fusion operations (posterior and anterior), laminectomy, craniotomies and spinal surgeries.

As a PCA or CNA on our neuro unit, you will perform a variety of tasks such as:

• Taking and recording patient temperature, pulse, respiration rates, blood pressures, weights, heights, and intake-output measurements
• Performing phlebotomy; to include correct labeling using two patient identifiers, maintenance of lab-draw supplies, rotating and restocking.
• Promptly answering patient call lights and responding to patient requests
• Providing general care such as positioning, lifting or turning patients; assisting in use of bedpan, urinal or commode; preoperative supportive care; and application/removal of abdominal binders or anti-embolism stockings and sequential compression devices.
• Providing morning or evening care, which may include bed bath, oral hygiene, combing hair, back care, dressing patient, changing bed linen, cleaning over-bed table and bedside stand, straightening room, and other supportive care as needed.

Our staff consists of RNs, LPNs, CNA/PCAs, and HUCs who work together to provide exceptional patient care. In addition to having excellent critical thinking skills, our ideal candidate will also possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.As an organization, we want to grow our employees by promoting a culture of excellence and professionalism. Because of this, all non-certified patient care assistants who are hired at Fort Sanders Regional will be automatically enrolled in our no cost “Growing Excellence through Me” (GEM) program, where they will attend classes and receive training to qualify to sit for their Certified Nursing Assistant exam. Upon receiving a CNA certification, our employees graduate from the GEM program and receive an automatic pay increase.

To learn more about our GEM program visit: https://www.fsregional.com/g-e-m-program-implemented/

If you are passionate about putting patients first apply for our Neuro unit today!

Position Summary: 

Functions as a direct patient caregiver performing tasks to assist registered nurses. The Neuro Patient Care Technician delivers high quality, patient-centered care by performing a variety of delegated basic patient care services related to common nursing functions. Performs hands-on care, assistance with ADLs and specified technical tasks for a group of patients under the supervision of the Team Leader. Will train to care for stroke patients with complex medical problems.

If you have any questions please contact Recruiter: Jennifer Gordon || jgordon2@covhlth.com || 865-374-8107

• Obtains patient report and has on-going communication with the RN regarding patient care/changes in condition; informs nurse of patient request, complaints, and discomfort. Notifies appropriate staff members and team leads of problems requiring prompt intervention.
• Responds to call light system; reports observations, conditions, and problems of patient to nursing personnel as appropriate; and follows through with meeting patient needs.
• Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration rates, blood pressures, weights, heights, and intake-output measurements; able to recognize.
• Encourages patients to change positions often while lying in bed, and encourages them to begin trying to use their stroke-impaired limbs to perform basic ADLs, such as eating, as conditions start to stabilize. Attends to nutritional needs of patient which may include distributing meal trays, feeding, filling, and passing out water pitchers.
• Prevents skin breakdowns with frequent turning and skin care while positioning the patient in a way that prevents injury to the body part that has no sensation.
• Ambulates and assists patients in and out of bed and into wheelchairs and transports when necessary based on their individualize exercise programs.
• Allows patients to express frustration while they work toward regaining communication skill towards recovery and self-sufficiency.
• Provides morning or evening care, which may include bed bath, oral hygiene, combing hair, back care, dressing patient, changing bed linen, cleaning over-bed table and bedside stand, straightening room, and other supportive care as needed.
• Performs basic patient care activities of daily living such as assistance with patient elimination, hygiene, comfort, safety, nutrition, and progress activity and practices for the well-being of the patient.
• Performs tasks such as ROM and assists with ambulatory devices as specified by the patients’ plan of care.
• Assists in maintaining a safe environment, which may include reporting equipment that is out of order, appropriate handling of linen, and storing of supplies.
• Provides general care such as positioning, lifting, or turning patients; assisting in use of bedpan, urinal, or commode; preoperative supportive care; and application/removal of abdominal binders or anti-embolism stockings and sequential compression devices.
• Empties and cleans ostomy bag, per procedure. Empties drains, canisters, urine bags, bedpans, and emesis basins and records intake and output.
• Collects urine, stool, and sputum specimen as ordered.
• Performs phlebotomy (requires additional training) including correct labeling using two patient identifiers, maintenance of lab-draw supplies, rotating, and restocking.
• Performs EKG (requires special training) including placing patient on and removal of telemetry.
• Helps to maintain clean and orderly patient and work environment.
• Employs all established infection control policies including standard precautions, transmission-based isolation precautions, OSHA standards, safety measures, and proper body mechanics in performance of job.
• Documents/maintains patient record as appropriate.
• Gathers equipment for O2 set up. Checks O2 for connection and proper placement.
• Ambulates patients with oxygen.
• Checks for proper functioning of equipment at patient bedside including suction equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency in providing for age-specific needs of the population served.
• Demonstrates ability to perform skills on the Neuro Patient Care Technician checklist.
• Conducts hourly rounding to ensure patient needs are met and reports to the licensed nurse.
• Promotes a positive work environment with the interdisciplinary team and interacts with peers, staff, and physicians in a supportive and respectful manner.
• Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives; for example, maintains quality control EOC measures, equipment checks, nutrition, and surrounding areas cleanliness, etc.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:   

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:

Must be able to operate computer and possess excellent interpersonal skills. Must be able to read with comprehension, write legibly, and perform basic arithmetic computation. Must have understanding and knowledge of patient care which may be appropriately delegated to nursing assistants.

Licensure Requirement: 

Must have and maintain Tennessee State CNA certification. CPR required.