Patient Care Technician - Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Patient Care Technician - Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit
Company: University of Iowa
Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Job Type: Full-time, Regular
Category: Healthcare Support / Patient Care
Date Posted: October 08, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for optimizing patient flow and care delivery within the Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit (CPRU) and procedural labs.
• The Patient Care Technician (PCT) will support Physician, Nursing, and Imaging Technologist staff by performing essential patient care and logistical tasks.
• The position involves direct patient interaction, equipment readiness, and maintaining a clean and organized environment to ensure efficient unit operations.
• This role is ideal for individuals seeking to gain hands-on experience in a specialized cardiovascular unit within a leading academic medical center.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the description and typical healthcare support roles, this position is categorized under Healthcare Support and Patient Care. The "0-2 years" experience level is inferred from the "Minimum Eligibility Requirements" and the "Desired Qualifications" suggesting that while experience is preferred, it is not strictly mandatory, making it suitable for entry-level candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lab Preparation and Stocking:
  • Prepare procedural labs by stocking necessary supplies and ensuring all equipment is readily available.
  • Manage daily deliveries of store items, put them away, and promptly notify nursing staff of any backordered or missing items.
• Quality Control and Monitoring:
  • Perform quality control checks on glucometers and maintain adequate supply levels to comply with regulatory guidelines.
  • Conduct blood glucose testing on patients as delegated by nursing or medical staff.
  • Monitor and check expiration dates on supplies, ensuring only current and safe materials are used.
• Patient Care Assistance:
  • Assist with procedural preparation, including surgical clipping of appropriate skin areas.
  • Set up and connect non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment to patients.
  • Provide direct patient care as delegated, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Operational Support:
  • Assist with completing requisitions and other necessary forms as directed.
  • Monitor preventative maintenance schedules for equipment within the lab.
  • Share responsibility for the proper use, care, and cleanliness of equipment and supplies.
  • Respond to call lights and telephone inquiries, directing them appropriately.
• Patient Transport and Safety:
  • Transport patients via bed, cart, or wheelchair between recovery units, procedural labs, and inpatient units.
  • Perform basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as required in emergency situations.
  • Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and institutional policies.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Assume responsibility for ongoing self-learning and maintenance of clinical skills.
  • Analyze personal performance and set professional development goals.
  • Perform other assigned duties to support unit operations and patient care.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been detailed by categorizing the raw bullet points into logical operational areas (Lab Prep, Quality Control, Patient Care, Operational Support, etc.) to provide a clearer understanding of the role's scope and impact on unit efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (implied by "Ability to read, write and follow instructions").

Experience:

• Direct patient-care experience is preferred, demonstrating foundational skills in patient interaction and bedside assistance.
• Experience working in a healthcare environment is desired, indicating familiarity with healthcare settings and protocols.
• Experience in customer service relations is beneficial for patient and family interactions.

Required Skills:

• Patient Care Fundamentals: Ability to provide basic patient care, including monitoring vital signs (as delegated), assisting with hygiene, and ensuring patient comfort.
• Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal, electronic, and written communication skills to effectively interact with patients, family members, and healthcare staff.
• Adherence to Protocols: Ability to follow oral and written instructions precisely, ensuring tasks are completed safely and accurately.
• Record Keeping: Ability to collect patient data and maintain accurate, concise records as required by the unit.
• Sanitation and Hygiene: Knowledge of principles of sanitation and health hazards to maintain a clean and safe patient environment.
• Confidentiality Management: Strict adherence to maintaining patient confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, supporting nurses, physicians, and technologists.
• Basic Life Support: Proficiency in performing basic CPR.

Preferred Skills:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Certification as a Nursing Assistant is preferred, indicating a higher level of trained patient care skills.
• Medical Terminology: Knowledge of medical terminology, instruments, and supplies to better understand patient conditions and care plans.
• Computer Proficiency: Knowledge of keyboarding and computer data entry skills for accurate record-keeping and system navigation.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain an orderly workspace.
• Equipment Familiarity: Experience with or ability to quickly learn the setup and use of non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Eligibility Requirements" have been translated into essential "Required Skills," while "Desired Qualifications" have been elaborated into "Preferred Skills." This distinction helps candidates understand which qualifications are non-negotiable versus advantageous. The "0-2 years" experience level is explicitly stated here.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Patient Care Documentation: Examples of accurate and concise patient data collection and record-keeping, demonstrating attention to detail and adherence to protocols.
• Process Improvement Examples: If applicable, showcase any instances where you identified an opportunity to improve a workflow or process in a previous role, even in a minor capacity (e.g., organizing supplies more efficiently, streamlining a reporting task).
• System Navigation: While a formal portfolio might not be expected for this entry-level role, be prepared to discuss your experience or aptitude for learning and using healthcare systems (e.g., EMR/EHR, scheduling software, supply management systems).

Process Documentation:

• Focus on demonstrating an understanding of the importance of following established protocols for patient safety, supply management, and equipment maintenance.
• Be prepared to articulate how you would approach learning and adhering to new processes and workflows specific to the Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit.
• Highlight any experience with quality control procedures or tasks that involve maintaining standards and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level Patient Care Technician role, a formal "portfolio" might not be expected in the same way as for a Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role. The focus here is on demonstrating foundational competencies and an understanding of process adherence, rather than complex project outcomes. The "Portfolio Essentials" and "Process Documentation" sections are tailored to reflect this.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour (based on Pay Grade 5, entry-level healthcare support roles in Iowa City, IA, and typical university system pay scales).
• Explanation: Pay Grade 5 at the University of Iowa typically aligns with entry-level to paraprofessional roles. This estimate is derived from publicly available salary data for Patient Care Technicians and similar roles in the Iowa City area, factoring in the academic medical center environment which often offers competitive entry-level wages and benefits. Actual compensation will be determined by the University of Iowa based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Participation in a retirement savings plan, likely with employer matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual of vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition reimbursement or assistance for continuing education, aligning with the academic environment.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications (like CNA renewal/advancement), and skill development.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and work-related challenges.
• Wellness Programs: Access to fitness centers and other wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
• Total Hours: 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility: While the schedule is fixed, the role may involve floating to procedural labs based on need, requiring adaptability within the standard work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been estimated using industry benchmarks and the provided "Pay Grade 5" information. The benefits listed are standard for a large university healthcare system and are relevant to healthcare professionals seeking stable employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)
Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers). This size indicates a structured environment with many opportunities for internal growth and a wide range of specialized departments. For operations professionals, this means robust systems, established processes, and potential for diverse career paths.
Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its health sciences colleges and hospital established later, signifying a long-standing tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. The UI Heart and Vascular Center is a recognized leader in cardiac care.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The PCT reports to nursing and/or physician leadership within the Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit (CPRU).
• Collaboration: This role necessitates close collaboration with nurses, physicians, imaging technologists, and other support staff.
• Unit Focus: The CPRU specializes in the care of patients before and after cardiovascular procedures, requiring a team that is highly coordinated and focused on patient safety and recovery optimization.

Methodology:

• Patient-Centered Care: The primary methodology is delivering patient care with a focus on safety, comfort, and positive outcomes, as evidenced by the "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" mission.
• Process Adherence: Strict adherence to established protocols for patient care, equipment handling, supply management, and sanitation is fundamental.
• Data-Driven Improvement: While the PCT role is not primarily data analysis, the unit operates within an academic medical center that values data for patient outcomes, research, and quality improvement initiatives.

Company Website: https://uiowa.edu/ (General University) and https://www.uihealthcare.org/ (UI Health Care)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out by leveraging the University of Iowa's reputation and the specific mention of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's accolades. This provides a stronger sense of the organization's mission and operational environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Patient Care Technician. This role serves as a foundational position within the healthcare support spectrum, providing essential support to clinical teams. It is a direct patient-facing role that requires diligence, compassion, and adherence to operational procedures.

Reporting Structure:

• The Patient Care Technician will operate under the direct supervision of nursing staff and potentially physicians within the Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit. This direct reporting line ensures immediate oversight and guidance for patient care activities.

Operations Impact:

• Efficiency: By managing lab preparation, stocking, and patient transport, the PCT directly contributes to the efficiency of the CPRU and procedural labs, minimizing delays and optimizing clinician time.
• Patient Experience: Through attentive care, responsiveness to call lights, and maintaining a clean environment, the PCT significantly impacts the patient experience during a critical phase of their healthcare journey.
• Safety: Adhering to quality control measures, checking supply expirations, and performing basic life support contribute to maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop proficiency in specialized cardiovascular care procedures, non-invasive monitoring, and advanced patient care techniques.
• Formal Education Support: The University of Iowa offers potential tuition assistance, supporting career progression into nursing (e.g., LPN, RN), radiology technology, or other allied health professions.
• Certification Pathways: Opportunity to gain or maintain CNA certification and potentially pursue further specialized certifications within patient care.
• Internal Mobility: Potential to move to other units or departments within the UI Health Care system as experience and qualifications grow.
• Leadership Potential: With significant experience and further education, opportunities may arise for roles in charge of specific functions or team lead positions within patient care support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Career & Growth Analysis" section is tailored to reflect the typical career trajectory for a Patient Care Technician within a large academic medical institution, emphasizing skill development and educational support.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hospital/Clinical Setting. This is a hands-on, fast-paced clinical environment within the UI Heart and Vascular Center. The work is primarily performed within patient care areas, including the Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit (CPRU) and procedural labs.

Office Location(s):

• Iowa City, Iowa. The specific unit is located within the University of Iowa Health Care facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is highly collaborative, requiring constant interaction and teamwork with nurses, physicians, technologists, and other support staff.
• Tools and Technology: Access to essential medical equipment, monitoring devices, supply management systems, and potentially Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for patient data entry and retrieval.
• Team Interaction: Frequent communication and coordination with colleagues are essential for seamless patient care transitions and operational efficiency. The environment demands responsiveness and adaptability.

Work Schedule:

• Standard Hours: The role operates on a fixed Monday-Friday schedule from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, providing a consistent weekly routine.
• Flexibility within Role: While the schedule is set, the requirement to "float to our procedural labs based on need" indicates a degree of flexibility is necessary to support various operational demands throughout the day.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the physical and interpersonal aspects of the work environment, emphasizing the hands-on nature and collaborative dynamics typical of a hospital setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess minimum qualifications and desired experience.
• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary conversation with HR or a hiring manager to discuss background, interest in the role, and basic qualifications.
• On-Site Interview: An in-person interview likely involving the hiring manager and potentially team members (e.g., a charge nurse). This stage will assess practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
• Skills Assessment (Potential): May include a brief practical demonstration or scenario-based questions related to patient care, communication, or emergency response.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: Ensure your resume clearly highlights any direct patient care experience, customer service roles, or tasks involving organization, communication, and following instructions. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of X patients per shift").
• CNA Certification: If you possess CNA certification, make it prominent on your resume and be prepared to discuss your experience and skills gained.
• Situational Questions: For this role, focus on preparing examples for situational questions that demonstrate your ability to handle common healthcare scenarios, such as communicating with difficult patients/families, managing multiple tasks, or responding to a patient's needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions like: "What would you do if a patient in your care became unresponsive?" or "How would you handle a situation where a patient's family member is upset?"
• Teamwork Scenarios: Expect questions about how you collaborate with team members and handle disagreements or challenges within a team.
• Process Adherence: Be ready to discuss the importance of following protocols and what you would do if you noticed a colleague not following a procedure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process details are inferred based on standard university hiring practices for healthcare support roles. The "portfolio" aspect is reframed to focus on resume content and interview preparation for an entry-level clinical role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Patient Monitoring Equipment: Familiarity with or ability to learn the use of non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment.
• Medical Devices: Experience with or ability to operate devices such as glucometers and potentially other basic patient care equipment.
• Supply Management Systems: Potential use of systems for tracking inventory, managing deliveries, and checking expiration dates.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Data Entry: Proficiency in keyboarding and computer data entry for patient records, supply logs, or other departmental documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems: While not explicitly stated, experience with or aptitude for learning an EHR system (like Epic, commonly used in large healthcare systems) is highly beneficial for patient data management and communication.
• Internal Communication Platforms: Use of hospital intranet, email, or messaging systems for communication with the care team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology relevant to a PCT role are inferred based on the listed responsibilities, such as patient monitoring, quality control (glucometers), and potential use of an EHR system common in university medical centers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: A core value emphasizing the well-being, safety, and comfort of every patient above all else. This translates to attentive care and responsiveness.
• Excellence and Innovation: As an academic medical center, there's a drive for continuous improvement and adopting best practices in patient care and operational efficiency.
• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and taking responsibility for one's actions and duties.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve optimal patient outcomes and efficient unit operations.
• Respect and Compassion: Treating all patients, families, and colleagues with dignity, empathy, and understanding.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: The PCT is a key member of an interdisciplinary team, requiring frequent, clear, and concise communication with nurses, physicians, and technologists.
• Supportive: The culture likely promotes a supportive environment where team members assist each other to ensure smooth workflow and patient care continuity.
• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often involves following established workflows and protocols for patient handoffs, supply requests, and equipment management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" section is based on the University of Iowa's stated mission and the inherent values of a leading healthcare institution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit can be a high-acuity and fast-paced environment, requiring quick thinking and efficient task management, especially during critical patient care periods.
• Emotional Demands: Working with patients undergoing serious cardiovascular procedures can be emotionally demanding, requiring resilience and strong interpersonal skills to support patients and their families.
• Learning Curve: Mastering the specific protocols, equipment, and systems used within the CPRU and procedural labs requires a dedicated learning effort.
• Balancing Tasks: Effectively managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously, from direct patient care to logistical support, requires strong prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Clinical Skills Enhancement: Opportunities to gain hands-on experience with advanced patient care techniques and equipment specific to cardiovascular recovery.
• Certification Support: The institution may offer resources or support for obtaining and maintaining certifications like CNA, or pursuing further training.
• Cross-Training: Potential for cross-training in related areas or units within the UI Heart and Vascular Center to broaden skill sets.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced nurses and technicians, providing valuable guidance and career insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of a specialized cardiovascular unit in an academic medical center, highlighting both the demands and the developmental potential of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Patient Care Scenarios: "Describe a time you had to assist a patient with a difficult task." or "How would you respond to a patient who is anxious before a procedure?" Focus on empathy, patient-centeredness, and following protocols.
• Teamwork and Communication: "How do you ensure clear communication with your team members, especially during busy periods?" or "Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a colleague and how you resolved it." Highlight your ability to be a supportive team player.
• Problem-Solving and Initiative: "What would you do if you noticed a piece of equipment was not functioning correctly?" or "How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple demands on your time?" Demonstrate your attention to detail and proactive approach.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working at the University of Iowa Health Care, specifically in the Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit?" Research the UI Heart and Vascular Center's reputation and mission.
• Fit: "How do you align with our values of patient-centered care, excellence, and teamwork?" Be ready to provide examples from your experience.
• Learning Aptitude: "How do you approach learning new skills or procedures?" Emphasize your willingness and ability to learn quickly.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume as Portfolio: Your resume is your primary "portfolio" for this role. Ensure it clearly details relevant experience, skills, and any certifications.
• Highlight Key Responsibilities: Be prepared to verbally walk through your resume, emphasizing specific experiences that align with the job description's responsibilities (e.g., patient transport, supply management, quality checks).
• Showcase Soft Skills: Use examples to demonstrate your communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. For instance, describe how you ensured patient comfort or collaborated with a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the PCT role, focusing on scenario-based questions, demonstrating soft skills, and aligning with the values of a healthcare institution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Patient Care Technician position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.
• Resume Upload: Ensure your resume is up-to-date, clearly highlighting all relevant patient care, customer service, and organizational experience. Tailor it to emphasize skills mentioned in the job description.
• Cover Letter Submission: Write a concise cover letter expressing your interest in the Cardiovascular Pre- and Post-Recovery Unit at the UI Heart and Vascular Center. Briefly explain why you are a good fit and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities and the organization's mission.
• Review Requirements: Carefully review all minimum and desired qualifications to ensure you meet the criteria and have the necessary documentation ready.
• Prepare for Interview: Anticipate questions related to patient care scenarios, teamwork, and your understanding of healthcare protocols. Research the UI Health Care system and its values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.