Patient Care Assistant Neuroscience BWH

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) functions under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) and as a member of the unit-based patient care team. The PCA performs duties of direct and indirect patient care, supporting the RN with clinical tasks such as glucometry, EKGs, and vital signs. The PCA is also responsible for responding to the needs of patients and family members and takes a proactive role in the efficient operation of the unit.

Requirements

Nursing student currently enrolled in a BSN or direct-entry Masters’ program who has completed her/his fundamentals in nursing and two clinical rotations.
Must be in good academic standing in current program.
One letter of reference must be from a Nursing Program Professor.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
May not currently hold a valid nursing license.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Strong patient/customer service skills.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
Proficient in computer skills to work efficiently with electronic medical records.
Ability to meet scheduling requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual skills preferred.
Prior experience in a clinical setting preferred.
EPIC experience preferred.
High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred.
Experience working in patient care/elder care 0-1 year preferred.
Basic Life Support [BLS] - Generic - HR Only preferred.
Certified Medical Assistant [National Certification] - Generic - HR Only preferred.
Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician [National Certification] - Generic - HR Only preferred.
Nursing Assistant [LNA - New Hampshire] - New Hampshire Board of Nursing preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing, and grooming.
Prepares/sets-up patients for meals and snacks and assists patients during meals.
Anticipates the individual needs of patients regarding ADLs within the plan of care established by the registered nurse.
Adapts standard ADL care to the unique needs of each patient.
Maintains familiarity with expected patient outcomes of all tasks performed and recognizes situations requiring RN notification.
Maintains thorough understanding of activity and equipment within the working environment, including the application of precautions.
Measures and records non-invasive vital signs and patient weights.
Performs EKGs in accordance with Hospital/Departmental standards.
Collects and records patient data, including intake/output, glucometry, and guaic check.
Assists patients with physical therapy (range of motion and exercises ordered by Physical Therapy), deep breathing, coughing, and ambulation.
Completes procedure setup and clean up, and assists during procedures.
Performs simple dressing changes on patients.
Functions as a patient observer under the direction of the registered nurse.
Performs unit-specific clinical duties, including chest physical therapy and placing patients on telemetry.
Escorts patients/families upon discharge from the unit, ensuring they have full instructions for home care or post-discharge needs.
Transports patients and/or equipment to other areas of the hospital when needed.
Maintains patient rooms, including changing bed linens.
Orders and maintains non-perishable supplies in the unit nourishment station and food cabinets.
Performs other duties as assigned.