General Summary

Under the direction of licensed nursing staff, the Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides direct patient care to individuals recovering from stroke and other neurologic conditions in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. The PCT assists with activities of daily living, monitors and documents clinical data, performs delegated tasks such as vital signs and point-of-care testing, and communicates patient status changes to the interdisciplinary team. This role supports patient safety, functional recovery, and adherence to individualized rehabilitation plans.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.

1. Provides direct patient care to individuals recovering from stroke and other neurologic conditions in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Supports patients with varying degrees of hemiparesis, aphasia, cognitive impairment, dysphagia, visual neglect, and mobility limitations.
2. Assists with activities of daily living (ADLs), including feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, repositioning, transferring, and ambulation, utilizing safe handling techniques and prescribed assistive devices. Reinforces therapy goals and promotes patient independence while maintaining safety.
3. Obtains, documents, and reports vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, oxygen saturation, and pain level) and promptly communicates abnormal findings or changes in neurologic status to licensed nursing staff. Observes for stroke-specific changes such as altered level of consciousness, unilateral weakness, slurred speech, facial droop, or changes in cognition.
4. Participates in fall prevention strategies, including implementation of bed and chair alarms, use of gait belts, proper transfer techniques, and adherence to individualized safety plans. Responds promptly to patient-triggered alarms (call light, bed/chair alarms, tele-sitter alerts) and assists with close observation assignments as needed.
5. Performs point-of-care testing including blood glucose monitoring and documents results accurately. Performs bladder scans, measures post-void residuals, monitors intake and output, documents urinary and stool output, and supports bowel and bladder programs common in stroke rehabilitation.
6. Provides catheter care (indwelling and external), assists with intermittent catheterization per policy, and reports abnormal findings. Assists with enteral feeding set-up and monitoring under RN supervision, observing for tolerance and aspiration precautions.
7. Performs skin assessments during care activities and reports any redness, pressure injury risk, or impaired skin integrity. Assists with routine dressing changes after RN assessment and reinforces pressure injury prevention strategies, including turning and repositioning schedules.
8. Assists with specimen collection following proper patient identification and infection prevention practices. Adheres to isolation precautions and PPE requirements in accordance with infection control guidelines.
9. Maintains a safe, clean, and organized patient care environment. Ensures patient rooms are stocked according to unit standards, linen is managed appropriately, and equipment is cleaned between patient use.
10. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team (nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and providers) to support individualized plans of care and discharge goals. Communicates observed functional progress or concerns that may impact therapy participation or patient outcomes.
11. Demonstrates professional vigilance when assigned as a patient safety companion, ensuring continuous monitoring and reporting of safety concerns.
12. Complies with Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals, CARF standards, and hospital policies. Identifies, reports, and mitigates safety risks. Documents care accurately and timely within scope of practice.
13. Incorporates safe body mechanics and lifting techniques in all patient handling activities. Supports efficient patient flow while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Current Maryland state certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) required.

One (1) year of previous experience preferred.

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Able to effectively communicate using verbal and written skills.

Maintain interpersonal relationships and use teamwork skills to provide care along with other team members in a cohesive manner.

Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously and function in stressful situations.

Ability to learn and use computer systems

Demonstrates proper technique and skills needed for obtaining accurate blood glucose results and documenting findings.

Demonstrates the ability to perform delegated nursing tasks according to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served.

Demonstrates knowledge, practice and accountability for skills or procedures that require aseptic technique.