Patient Care Associate

Position SummaryUnder the direction of a registered/licensed nurse (RN) the Patient Care Associate (PCA) as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team assists in clinical support functions to promote a safe compassionate patient care with meeting direct patient care needsConsistently foster a healing environment with respect and kindness demonstrating respect for all individuals with sensitivity to cultural to the plan of care through ongoing communication with the RNAssists with patient data and specimen collectionAssists with equipment preparation and set upCompletes hourly patient care rounds anticipating patient needs proactivelyMaintains patient and family privacy and confidentialityResponds to patient and family requests including answering patient call lights promptlySeeks registered nurse assistance to meet patient/family needs when respectfully with all members of the interdisciplinary teamMonitors patient and environment for safety concerns and immediately reports changes to RN/licensed nurseMaintains a safe and clean patient care environmentFollows Infection Prevention Practices:Demonstrate proper hand washing 100% of the two patient identifiers for appropriate patient identification before all specimen collectionsFollows Safe Patient Handling principles to maintain safety for both patients and staffDocuments aspects of care on approved forms or electronic medical recordParticipates as a member of the Interdisciplinary team to meet patient/family and unit/department needsProactively assists othersPerforms delegated responsibilities and demonstrates a willingness to adapt to changing unit demandsProvides care appropriate to the age group of patients on assigned unit(s) as described in the relevant unit profilesCompletes annual required trainingUpdates knowledge through periodic in-servicesOther duties as assignedAssists with activities of daily living (i.e. personal hygiene/grooming bathing/showering toileting dressing and functionality/mobility)Sets up food trays and assists patients with meals as indicatedPerforms preventative skincareAssists patients with positioning turning mobilization ambulation and passive and active range of motion per plan of careApplies/removes pneumatic sequential compression sleevesAdheres to standard precautionsAdheres to hand hygiene guidelinesAssists with the admission/discharge processProvides safe patient transportationOrients patients and families/visitors to surroundingsEnsures safekeeping of patient valuables including packing and storingChecks patients for ID bands and notifies nurse if replacement is neededPatient Data and Specimen Collection:Utilizes two (2) patient identifiers for proper patient identification before all specimen collectionsObtains and records vital signs pulse oximetry and non-invasive B/P and immediately report changes to RN/licensed blood glucose testingEquipment:Retrieves equipment from other areasCleans equipment between patient useFollows equipment management protocols on the assigned unit for patient benefit:Cardiac monitorsPortable oxygen cylinderNasal cannula/face maskPulse oximeter and probeSuction canister-liner systemPatient lifting equipmentScales: Standing/Chair/WheelchairProvides a Safe and Comfortable Patient/Family experienceAdheres to service excellence standards during care provision with the respectful courteous culturally sensitive careResponds to call lights promptly and prioritizes call light response appropriatelyParticipates in hourly rounding per unit protocolProvides constant observation for patients at risk for injury in person or virtuallyReapplies soft restraints/roll belt per unit protocolUses principles of Safe Patient HandlingDocumentation on Approved Forms and in Medical Records:Records intake of fluids and foodRecords height and weightRecords output of urine stool vomitus and drain outputRecords vital signs pulse oximetry and non-invasive BPsRecords blood glucose resultsQualifications:Years of Experience: Six months experience as a Nursing Assistant or a Nursing Student currently enrolled in a formal program who has completed at least one clinical rotation or is presently enrolled in and completes the NWH Patient Care Associate Training ProgramEducation:High school graduate or equivalentCertification as a Nursing Assistant preferredLanguage Skills: Proficient in English both verbally and writtenRequirements:Successful completion of the literacy exam with a score of 80% or better (PCA Training Program candidates only)CPR training requiredKnowledge of the English language sufficient to read speak and write accuratelyKnowledge of simple arithmeticAbility to lift and transport patients safely using the appropriate physical technique for the patient and self according to Safe Patient Handling to master basic computer skillsExcellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients visitors and hospital personnel