Under the direction of the RN or LPN, assists in the individualized care of the patient to achieve the patients highest level of wellness. Works cooperatively with others as part of a team; recognizes the importance of group goals. Performs designated clinical procedures and non-clinical support tasks essential to providing care to the patient.
***NGHT SHIFT SIGN ON BONUS-$3,000***
Position: Patient Care Associate (PCA)
Department: Surgical & Orthopedic
Shift: Full-Time | Nights | 36 hours per week
Our high-energy, fast-paced 30-bed Med/Surg unit provides exceptional care for both adult and pediatric patients. While our primary patient population is adults (18+), we typically care for 1–2 pediatric patients per month.
We specialize in caring for a diverse range of medical and post-operative patients, including but not limited to:
Orthopedic procedures (knees, hips, shoulders)
General surgeries (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colon resections)
Bariatric surgery
Sepsis, pancreatitis, and stable pneumothorax
Our nurse-to-patient ratio averages 1:6, supported by a strong team of Patient Care Associates (PCAs). The unit is known for its teamwork, compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence — making it a great place to learn, grow, and make a difference every day.
Under the supervision of an RN or LPN, the Patient Care Associate provides hands-on care and support to patients, helping them achieve their highest level of wellness and comfort.
Patient Care Associate (PCA):
Obtain and record vital signs in the electronic medical record
Assist patients with meals, hygiene, toileting, ambulation, and transport
Provide clerical support as needed
Patient Care Technician (PCT):
In addition to PCA duties, PCTs perform:
Phlebotomy and blood cultures
Enteral feedings
Wound care
IV/Foley removal
Tracheostomy care and suctioning
✨ Advancement opportunities available through our career ladder from PCA to PCT and beyond!
Our PCA Training Program is an accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship, offering comprehensive, hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment.
If you do not have prior experience, Mercy provides a 175-hour training program (meeting Department of Health and Senior Services standards) to be completed within 90 days of hire.
BLS Certification: Required within 1 month of hire
Competencies: Completed within 3 months of hire
Education:
High school diploma or GED required
CNA/CPTC certification, enrollment in a healthcare career program, or current Mercy co-worker preferred
Experience:
No prior experience required – we will train you!
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly
Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and squatting
Preferred: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Education assistance toward nursing degrees
Health, dental, and vision coverage starting day one
401(k) with employer match beginning day one
Paid Parental Leave for new parents
Annual contribution of $100/month to eligible Dependent Care FSA
PTO accrual starts day one and includes a day for volunteering
Competitive pay and growth opportunities within Mercy
Join a team where compassion meets excellence — and every day brings an opportunity to make a difference.
Apply today and start your healthcare career with Mercy Hospital Washington!
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.
Our Mercy health system was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But our heritage goes back more than 185 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who wanted to help the poor women and children of Dublin. Though Catherine had a modest upbringing, she received an unexpected inheritance that allowed her to fulfill her dreams. In 1827, she opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, intending to teach skills to poor women and educate children. Many volunteers came to help. A few years later, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, the first religious order not bound to the rules of the cloister, whose Sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. By the time Catherine died in 1841, there were convents in Ireland and England, and in 1843, the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States. In 1871, they traveled to St. Louis and from there throughout the Midwest, beginning what would, today be known as Mercy.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy's IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.