Inpatient/Transplant Unit Tech (PCT/CNA)

Short Description

The inpatient tech supports your day-to-day care on the unit. They check vitals, measure urine and drain output, help you walk safely, assist with hygiene, and keep you and your room set up for a smooth recovery.

Main Priorities

• Vitals & monitoring: blood pressure, pulse, oxygen, temperature, pain scores—reporting changes to the nurse.
• Intake & output: measure urine from the Foley, record drain/JP bulb amounts, track fluids you drink.
• Mobility & safety: assist to chair/bathroom, hallway walks, fall-risk precautions, bed/chair alarms as ordered.
• Comfort & hygiene: help with bathing, oral care, fresh linens, dressing changes setup, and room organization.
• Equipment checks: ensure SCDs (leg pumps) are on, call-light reachable, and devices secured before walking.
• Glucose & weights: point-of-care blood sugars (if ordered) and daily weights for fluid tracking.
• Transport & logistics: help you get to tests and bring needed supplies to the room.

Issues They Work With

• Low/changed urine output or a kinked Foley—they check tubing and notify the nurse.
• Drain problems: JP bulb not compressed, increased or cloudy output—measure and alert the nurse.
• Dizziness or weakness when standing—assist back to bed/chair and notify the nurse.
• Line safety: IV lines caught on bed/rail; help reposition and secure before walking.
• High/low readings: out-of-range vitals or blood sugars—report quickly to the nurse.

When to Go to Them

• Use the call button for help to the bathroom or hallway walks.
• Ask for fresh linens, hygiene supplies, or help repositioning in bed.
• Let them know if the Foley isn’t draining, the JP bulb won’t stay compressed, or an alarm won’t stop.
• Request daily weight, glucose check (if ordered), or to re-check vitals if you feel off.

What They Don’t Handle (Boundaries)

• They don’t give or change medicines, oxygen settings, or IV fluids—your nurse/provider does.
• They don’t interpret labs or make medical decisions—concerns are routed to the nurse.
• They don’t set discharge plans, refills, or paperwork—your nurse/coordinator handles those.

Informational only; titles and duties vary by hospital. Follow your team’s instructions.