Technical Standards for CCBC's Nursing Support/Patient Care Technician Training Series
The primary goal of The Community College of Baltimore County's Nursing Support Technician Training is to adequately prepare students for a position as a Nursing Support Technician at the bedside under the direct supervision of a registered nurse in an acute care hospital or in a physician's office, urgent care center, ambulatory care facility, long-term care center or other health care facility.
Nursing Support Technicians are required to be on their feet for long periods of time, caring for patients at the bedside, transferring and/or positioning patients. They need to exercise safe practices while exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, materials and communicable diseases. Their duties also require them to function quickly with accuracy while being detail-oriented. A high level of manual dexterity, psychomotor skills, and personal integrity are vital.
The following is a partial listing of the types of skills usually required for adequate job performance:
Physical Requirements:
A. Sufficient strength and mobility to:
- Work/or stand on feet for up to 12 hours
- Lift at least 50 pounds or more and position patients
- Move swiftly within close quarters while maintaining sterile field
- Assist with minor procedures
B. Adequate vision to:
- Read patient ID bracelets for correct administration of care
- Read instruction sheets and computer screens
- Read medical measuring equipment, scale, thermometer, graduated cylinder, sphygmomanometer
C.Sufficient hearing to:
- Hear and understand verbal instructions
- Properly use of stethoscope
- Hear machines/equipment or room bells
Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:
- Have the ability to:
- Interact with other health professionals in a polite and professional manner
- Respect patient confidentiality and rights
- Adhere to all policies of CCBC and/or clinical externship facility
- Work in a professional manner as part of a team
- Interact in a professional with many personalities and attitudes and with people from many different backgrounds
B. Sufficient communication skills to:
- Give and receive accurate written and verbal instructions
- Carry out all written and verbal instructions
- Follow proper channels of communication
- Communicate in a calm and professional manner
- Accurately interpret patient needs
- Provide patient/public education related to the Nurse Support Technician profession
Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability To:
- Exercise independent judgment within the practice to properly care for patients
- Accurately identify and carry out tasks delegated by registered nurses
- Work calmly and efficiently in stressful situations
- Maintain calmness during an emergency situation
- Complete program requirements
Environmental Requirements:
- Wearing gowns, caps, masks, gloves, and eye protection
- Working in an environment that may be noisy at times
- Working in an environment that exposes one to potentially hazardous materials including cleaning agents and chemicals, body fluids
- Working in an environment with unpleasant odors
- Provide proof of recent immunizations against infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and tetanus
- Receive Hepatitis B vaccinations and/or sign a waiver
