Patient Care Technician — Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) | Nights

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

Role Summary

As a Patient Care Technician in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Howard University Hospital, you will provide direct, hands-on care to critically ill surgical and trauma patients who require advanced monitoring and life-sustaining interventions. Working under the supervision of an RN, LPN, or other licensed health care professional, you will perform clinical tasks authorized by the DC Board of Nursing, support patient hygiene and mobility, assist with complex care delivery, and serve as a vital member of a high-acuity intensive care team.

If you are a DC-certified Patient Care Technician with the skills and composure to thrive in a fast-paced critical care environment, this is your opportunity to grow at one of the nation’s most storied academic medical centers.

What You’ll Do

• Perform clinical tasks authorized by the DC Board of Nursing for Patient Care Technicians, 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 RNs with bathing, turning, repositioning, mobility, skin care, and pressure injury prevention for critically ill patients; remain attentive to lines, tubes, drains, and monitoring equipment during patient care to avoid disruption
• Observe and promptly report changes in vital signs, intake/output, and patient condition to the RN; alert the team to abnormal values without delay
• Perform purposeful hourly rounding to anticipate and respond to patient needs, ensuring comfort, safety, and timely response
• Document patient care, vital signs, intake/output, and observations accurately in the electronic health record
• Practice strict infection control protocols including Standard Precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE); maintain clean and safe patient care areas in a high-acuity environment
• Support unit operations by transporting specimens, procuring equipment, and assisting with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary critical 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, high-acuity team environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to multi-task under pressure

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) months or more of prior PCT experience in an acute care hospital setting
• Experience in a critical care, step-down, progressive care, or post-surgical unit
• Comfort working in a high-acuity environment alongside monitoring equipment, lines, and tubes; understanding of infection prevention practices for critically ill patients (e.g., oral care, catheter site care)

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

Position Details

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $17.95 – $27.84/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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.