Patient Care Associate

Pay Rate: $20 per hour - $22 per hour

Summary:

• Days: 7:00am-3:15pm, EOW

Responsibilities:

• Perform and record patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respirations. Document intake and output and other data as assigned.
• Obtain patients' rating on pain scales as a fifth vital sign in all areas except Pediatrics.
• Perform clinical procedures, such as specimen collection, venipuncture, EKG, application of compression devices, post-mortem care, and maintenance of skin integrity. Set up for selected procedures and assist RNs accordingly.
• Assist patient with activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing, mouth care, back rubs, and/or toileting. Orient patients to clinical environment. Assist patient with ambulation and all levels of mobilization.
• Assist with dietary functions, including delivering and collecting patient trays at bedside, passing menus to patients, assisting them with menu completion, mixing nutritional supplements, reporting variation in eating patterns to RN/Dietitian, and maintaining accurate and timely systems for transmission of patient dietary orders and changes.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and functional environment, including ensuring the comfortable movement of the patient. Assist the patient in room maintenance, such as bed-stripping and trash removal, when necessary.
• Perform one-to-one observation or close observation status of patients, e.g., safety, elopement risk, or suicide prevention.
• Maintain "isolation status" for patients under the direction of an RN and according to set procedures.
• Perform scheduled purposeful rounding on patients with emphasis on caring for toileting needs, comfort, positioning, and pain awareness. Document on rounding log. Notify RN if rounding has not been completed as scheduled or if issues are identified.
• Utilize Vocera system according to sign in/sign out protocol where activated.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including generating reports.
• Respect and value each patient's unique, individual needs, beliefs, and diversity, incorporating these into the delivery of care.
• Greet visitors and answer telephones promptly and courteously. Escort visitors to appropriate area, when necessary. Provide information as appropriate.
• Answer Patient Call System and refer calls to appropriate staff.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and functional environment, including removing trash and bringing physical plant and equipment problems to the attention of the managers.
• Transport patients to stretchers or wheelchairs, as required.
• Deliver and collect trays and bedside. Deliver flowers to patients.
• Operate the pneumatic tube system when required.
• Strip units/cubicles.
• Perform emergency clean-up.
• Perform emergency transport.
• Perform discharge bedmaking.
• Transport specimens.
• Update communication board/discharge log.
• Assemble medical records.
• Update Admission/Transfer/Discharge System.
• Maintain supplies and care of equipment.

Requirements:

• Interpersonal skills to communicate and collaborate effectively with other members of the Specialty Service.
• Successful completion of Patient Care Associate Orientation Program offered at the company.
• Minimum three months of healthcare experience preferred.
• Ability to set priorities, problem solve, use proper judgment in difficult situations, and be flexible.
• Sufficient oral and writing skills in the English language to communicate effectively.
• Physical stamina and manual dexterity to perform a variety of tasks and skills in the area of assignment.

Preferred Skills:

• Work requires a high school level of knowledge (graduate or equivalent) in order to prepare reports, keep records, and deal effectively with people.
• AHA HeartSaver or BLS Required.