Patient Care Technician - Orthopedics Trauma Spine

University of Iowa Health Care seeks patient care technicians to support nursing teams on the Orthopedics, Trauma, Spine Unit, where patients recover from motor vehicle accidents leading to skeletal fractures or traction placements. This role addresses reconstructive joint surgeries for hips, knees, and shoulders affected by osteoarthritis. Technicians handle care for spinal surgeries impacting vertebrae and hand surgeries correcting carpal tunnel syndrome. They support foot and ankle procedures treating bunion deformities and amputations related to peripheral artery disease. Sports injuries like ACL tears receive attention alongside young adult hip preservation for dysplasia, emphasizing compassionate care for physiological and psychological recovery.

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 Orthopedics, Trauma, Spine Unit, a 48-bed facility within the Medical Surgical Services Division, focuses on holistic patient-centered care through teamwork with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and family support. Staff here thrive in a healthy environment promoting personal and professional growth via resources like continuing education.

Technicians measure vital signs using thermometers, sphygmomanometers, and pulse oximeters to record temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. They conduct medical asepsis during phlebotomy, peripheral IV removal, and Foley catheter management, ensuring isolation for patients with wound infections. Duties include performing enemas, skin prepping for surgeries, wound dressing changes, collecting urine samples, and applying orthopedic braces. Under nurse supervision, they place ECG leads, assist with admissions, transfers, discharges, and provide hygiene support with baths and mouth care. Technicians turn patients to prevent pressure ulcers using repositioning pads, ambulate them with crutches or walkers, transport patients on gurneys, and log intake/output for specialized diets. They attend care conferences, clean patient rooms with hospital-approved disinfectants and vacuums, stock supplies such as bandages and gowns, and assemble traction devices for orthopedic cases. A key challenge is managing the high-acuity nature of trauma cases requiring rapid response to changes in vital signs and coordination across multidisciplinary teams.

The role offers a 50% to 60% schedule amounting to 20 to 24 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, surgeons, nurses, therapists, and administrative staff using orthopedic equipment and electronic health records systems.