Job Description

Patient Care Technician — MedSurg: Renal Diabetes Unit | Nights

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

About the Role

As a Patient Care Technician on 5 East — Renal Diabetes Unit at Howard University Hospital, you will provide direct, hands-on care to patients with chronic kidney disease (including those receiving dialysis), diabetes, and complex medical conditions requiring close attention to fluid balance and glycemic management. Working under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or other licensed health care professional, you will perform clinical tasks within the Patient Care Technician scope of practice, support patients with activities of daily living, observe and report vital signs and patient-reported symptoms, and serve as a vital member of the care team.

If you are a Patient Care Technician looking to grow your skills in a specialized renal and diabetes care environment at one of the nation’s most storied academic medical centers, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

What You’ll Do

• Perform clinical tasks within the Patient Care Technician scope of practice, under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or licensed health care professional — including peripheral IV insertion and discontinuation, administering electrocardiograms (EKGs), phlebotomy and specimen collection, fingerstick blood glucose testing, urinary catheter insertion and discontinuation, oxygen equipment monitoring, pulse oximetry, incentive spirometry, application of elastic stockings and sequential compression devices, and elimination procedures
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, ambulation, transfers, toileting, and special skin care; reposition patients per RN direction
• Perform fingerstick blood glucose checks as scheduled or ordered by the RN; measure and document strict intake/output and daily weights; observe and report changes in skin integrity, including lower extremity edema and foot wounds in diabetic patients; respect arteriovenous (AV) fistula and graft precautions — no blood pressure measurement, blood draws, or IV access on the affected extremity
• Observe vital signs, intake/output, and general patient condition; promptly report patient-stated symptoms (e.g., sweating, shakiness, confusion, increased shortness of breath, swelling, or noticeable weight gain) and any abnormal values to the RN without delay
• Perform purposeful hourly rounding to anticipate and respond to patient needs, ensuring comfort, safety, and timely call light response
• Document patient care, vital signs, intake/output, and observations accurately in the electronic health record
• Practice infection control protocols including Standard Precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE); maintain clean and safe patient care areas
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary care team and contribute to a positive, patient-centered unit culture
• Adhere to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, HUH Code of Ethics, HIPAA, and all institutional policies; maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Current, active certification as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to multi-task

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) months or more of prior PCT experience in an acute care hospital setting
• Experience in renal/dialysis, diabetes, or medical-surgical nursing units
• Familiarity with fingerstick blood glucose monitoring and strict intake/output documentation

Position Details

5 East — Renal Diabetes Unit

Nurse Manager

Non-Exempt

Local 2094

Full-Time | Night Shift | 7:30 PM – 8:00 AM | Three (3) 12-hour shifts per week (36 hours)

Every other weekend required

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $19.00 – $30.40/hr , commensurate with experience and qualifications.

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 — when it operated as Freedmen’s Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere — HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester
• A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org .

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

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