Job Description
University of Iowa Health Care seeks patient care technicians for the Orthopedics, Trauma, Spine Unit, focusing on recovery from motor vehicle accidents resulting in skeletal fractures and external traction. This position supports reconstructive surgeries for hip, knee, and shoulder joints affected by degenerative conditions. Technicians assist with spinal procedures correcting vertebral misalignments and hand surgeries alleviating nerve compressions. Care extends to foot and ankle operations treating arthritis impacts and amputations due to vascular diseases. Sports-related injuries like ligament tears receive specialized attention, including young adult hip preservation therapies for developmental issues, promoting maximum quality of life through compassionate treatment for physical and emotional rehabilitation.
University of Iowa Health Care serves as Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. More than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers deliver safe, quality health care daily. The 48-bed Orthopedics, Trauma, Spine Unit is part of the Medical Surgical Services Division with more than 260 beds in medical-surgical settings, emphasizing exceptional clinical skills integrated with compassionate care for sustainable recovery outcomes.
Technicians measure vital signs via thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and stethoscopes to log temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. They maintain medical asepsis during phlebotomy, IV line removals, catheter handling, and isolation protocols for patients with resistant bacteria. Procedures include enemas, surgical skin preps, wound care dressings, specimen collection, and brace applications. Under direct nurse supervision, they perform ECG setups, aid in patient transitions between beds and floors, deliver hygiene services like bathing and oral care, reposition patients to avoid skin breakdown using pillows and wedges, ambulate with supportive devices, and transport patients via wheelchairs or stretchers. They track nutritional intake and fluid output, participate in multidisciplinary conferences, clean environments with EPA-approved disinfectants and steam cleaners, replenish stocks of orthopedic supplies and linens, and prepare diagnostic instrumentation like traction systems. The fast-paced unit presents challenges in balancing multiple trauma patients' needs simultaneously with multidisciplinary consultations and equipment maintenance.
The full-time role offers 100% schedule equating to 40 hours per week on night shifts including weekend and holiday rotations at University of Iowa Health Care's University Campus. Compensation follows the Merit Pay Plan, featuring paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance including dental and life options, disability coverage, and employer contributions to retirement plans. Daily work involves interaction with patients, families, orthopedic surgeons, nursing teams, rehabilitation therapists, dietitians, and administrative support using electronic charting software and mobility aids.
Responsibilities
- Independently obtain and record vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
- Perform medical asepsis during phlebotomy, peripheral IV removal, Foley catheter removal, and care for patients who are medically isolated
- Perform simple diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as enemas, preoperative preparation of the skin, dressing changes, collecting specimens, applying binders, braces, etc
- Perform special duties including phlebotomy, ECG lead/12 lead placement, and brace/pin site cares
- Assist with patient admission, transfers, and discharges
- Provide patient hygiene and comfort, turn, position and ambulate patients
- Transport patients, equipment, specimens, and supplies
- Feed patients, record intake and assist with bedpans/urinals and record output
- Participate in nursing care conferences and report pertinent information
- Provide social interaction for patient comfort
- Prepare, care for and maintain equipment and supplies
- Clean areas and demonstrate use of disinfectants, cleaning products, and care of housekeeping equipment
- Stock and supply patient rooms and nursing units
Requirements
- Ability to read, write and follow instructions
- Resume submission required