Position Summary

 

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for patient related clerical activities, unit clerical duties, computerized order entry procedures, and other unit activities, as applicable. The PCA must be able to provide and understand the specific communication needs of patients, families, and visitors. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the PCA provides focused non-licensed clinical care for patients throughout the age continuum including phlebotomy, basic nursing skills, etc., and environmental assistance to facilitate quality service and improve patient outcomes.  The PCA will document and communicate with team members in a timely manner the patient progress, needs and problems.

 

Minimum Requirements

 

Education           

High school diploma or equivalent, certificate from an approved multi-skill program or military health care experience or a student nurse with completion of basic fundamentals 17-year-olds that will obtain a High School Diploma or GED within six months

 

Experience        

N/A

 

License/Registration/Certifications       

BLS

 

Preferred Requirements

 

Preferred Education      

N/A

 

Preferred Experience   

Previous experience as PCA/PCT/CNA or nursing school attendee

 

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications   

BLS/CPR

 

 

Core Job Responsibilities

 

Basic computer skills Assists patients with activities of daily living in a safe, timely and courteous manner Performs personal hygiene care with respect to privacy, dignity and needs of the patient Offers back rubs, prepares for mealtimes and sleep hours Delivers meals/snacks and water in a timely manner Performs vital signs, weights/heights, intakes, and outputs with accuracy and within established time frame and/or as requested Documents written and verbal communication, which is timely and effective, communicates changes in patient status, actual and potential needs of patient/families/visitors to registered nurse Provides care relative to the age-specific needs of the patient on the unit by demonstrating knowledge of the principles of growth and development Knowledgeable in use of and response to Code Alert/ Facility Alerts Identifies areas for improvement and seeks ways to work on self-defined weaknesses Remains committed to unit, department, and division goals Attends continuing education classes for improvement offered at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Reports risk management concerns to appropriate person Adheres to proper chain of command Hourly Rounds Bedside Shift Report Bathing shower bed Personal Hygiene Incontinent Care Mouth Care Nail Care Bed Making Care of Dentures Hair Care Urinary Catheter Care Personal Care Back rubs Call lights within reach Side rails up/bed low position Anticipates needs Prepares patients for meals Delivers and collects meal trays Assists with feedings Provides fresh water and nourishments Unit Activities Puts supplies away Keeps refrigerator clean and organized and ensures all contents are within current date of use

 

Straightens, tidies, and organizes clean/dirty utility rooms Performs other activities as assigned Special Procedures Applies, removes and records as directed non-sterile heat and cold therapy Assists with admissions, discharges, transferring and placing patients Empty drainage devices urinary catheter bags ostomy bags oral/NG suction catheter fecal management systems records and advises nurse of findings Collects as directed and records routine non-sterile specimen urine feces sputum Performs and records peri and urinary catheter care as directed Measures and records PO intake and output Takes and records height and weight as directed Performs as directed turning, positioning, coughing and deep breathing patients With proven competency, performs other functions for particular specialty areas (enemas, placement of monitoring leads, documentation) Other Duties as Assigned