General Summary

• Under the general supervision of a licensed nurse (RN, LPN, shift manager), the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) provides direct patient care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Follows established hospital policy regarding patient safety measures such as infection prevention, safe patient handling and movement, and notification of the licensed nurse when patient condition changes to provide patient care in an optimally safe environment.
• Provides basic patient care duties under the supervision of a licensed nurse such as, but not limited to: vital signs, glucometer checks, toileting, feeding, bathing, and activity measures, etc. Performs such actions within the guidelines established in hospital policy and procedure to support quality outcomes and patient safety.
• Works collaboratively with nursing staff to care for the basic needs of each patient and respond quickly to patient requests to ensure patient safety and enhance the patient’s experience.
• Documents all patient care activities accurately and to support the clinical decision making of other health care team members.
• Communicates pertinent patient information to appropriate team members in order to improve patient outcomes and quality care.

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Work Experience

• One year experience and certification as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.

Certification/License

• If uncertified or less than one year experience, must attend Phelps Health PCA Academy for training. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) must be obtained within first 90 days of employment (BLS training is provided).

Mental/Physical Requirements

• Considerable mental concentration required. Lifting up to 35 lbs., turning activities, standing, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, crouching, twisting, reaching and nearly constant walking required.

Working Conditions

• Frequent exposure to infectious disease and communicable disease via blood and other bodily fluids. May encounter hostile persons at times.