Job Details
Under 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 environment. Essential Functions * Assists with meeting direct patient care needs
* Consistently fosters a healing environment with respect and kindness demonstrating respect for all individuals with sensitivity to cultural diversity
* Contributes to the plan of care through ongoing communication with the RN
* Assists with patient data and specimen collection
* Assists with equipment preparation and set up
* Supports a Culture of Safety by providing a safe and comfortable patient/family experience where risks are reduced and/or eliminated, by performing the following:
Completes hourly patient care rounds, anticipating patient needs proactively *
Maintains patient and family privacy and confidentiality *
Responds to patient and family requests, including answering patient call lights in a timely manner *
Seeks registered nurse assistance to meet patient/family needs when necessary. *
Communicates in a respectful manner with all members of the interdisciplinary team *
Monitors patient and environment for safety concerns and immediately reports changes to RN/licensed nurse *
Maintains a safe and clean patient care environment *
Follows Infection Prevention Practices: *
- Proper hand washing demonstrated 100% of the time. *
- Utilizes two patient identifiers for proper patient identification prior to all specimen collections *
Follows Safe Patient Handling principles to maintain safety for both patients and staff * Documents aspects of care on approved forms or electronic medical record
* Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary team to meet patient/family and unit/department needs
* Proactively provides assistance to others
* Performs delegated responsibilities and demonstrates willingness to adapt to changing unit demands
* Provides care appropriate to age group of patients on assigned unit(s) as described in the relevant unit profiles
* In collaboration with the Nursing Manager/Director and Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nursing Practice Specialist/Nursing Professional Development Specialist, identifies and meets learning needs, including:
Completes annual required training *
Updates knowledge through periodic in-services * Other duties as assigned Direct Patient Care: * Assists with activities of daily living (i.e. personal hygiene/grooming, bathing/showering, toileting, dressing, and functionality/mobility)
* Sets up food trays and assist patients with meals as indicated
* Performs preventative skin care
* Assists patients with positioning, turning, mobilization, ambulation, passive and active range of motion per plan of care
* Applies/removes pneumatic sequential compression sleeves
* Adheres to standard precautions
* Adheres to hand hygiene guidelines
* Assists with admission/discharge process
* Provides safe patient transportation
* Orients patients and families/visitors to surroundings
* Ensures safekeeping of patient valuables including packing and storing
* Checks patients for ID bands, and notifies nurse if replacement is needed Patient Data and Specimen Collection: * Utilizes 2 patient identifiers for proper patient identification prior to all specimen collections
* Obtains and records vital signs, pulse oximetry and non-invasive B/P and immediately reports changes to RN/licensed nurse
* Performs blood glucose testing Equipment: * Retrieves equipment from other areas
* Cleans equipment between patient use
* Follows equipment management protocols on assigned unit for patient use:
Cardiac monitors *
Portable oxygen cylinder *
Nasal cannula/face mask *
Pulse oximeter and probe *
Suction canister-liner system *
Patient lifting equipment *
Scales: Standing/Chair/Wheelchair * Provides a Safe and Comfortable Patient/Family experience
* Adheres to service excellence standards during care provision with respectful, courteous, culturally sensitive care
* Responds to call lights in a timely manner and prioritizes call light response appropriately
* Participates in hourly rounding per unit protocol
* Provides constant observation for patients at risk for injury in person or virtually
* Reapplies soft restraints/roll belt per unit protocol
* Uses principles of Safe Patient Handling Documentation on Approved Forms and in Medical Record: * Records intake of fluids and food
* Records height and weight
* Records output of urine, stool, vomitus, and drain output
* Records vital signs, pulse oximetry and noninvasive BPs
* Records blood glucose results Job Knowledge and Skills: * Successful completion of the literacy exam with a score of 80% or better (PCA Training Program candidates only)
* CPR training required
* Knowledge of English language sufficient to read, speak, and write accurately
* Knowledge of simple arithmetic
* Ability to lift and transport patients using the appropriate physical technique in a safe manner for the patient and self, according to Safe Patient Handling Guidelines
* Ability to master basic computer skills
* Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, visitors and hospital personnel Education: * High school graduate or equivalent Experience: * Six months experience as a Nursing Assistant or is a Nursing Student currently enrolled in a formal program who has successfully completed at least one clinical rotation or is currently enrolled in, and successfully completes, the NWH Patient Care Associate Training Program Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations (if applicable): * Certification as a Nursing Assistant preferred