Patient Care Assistant BWH

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Nurse Patient Care Assistant (PCA) works under the direction of a Registered Nurse and as part of a unit-based patient care team, providing direct and indirect patient care. The role supports RNs with clinical tasks, responds to patients’ and families’ needs, and contributes to efficient unit operations. Clinical duties are performed under the general direction of a Staff Nurse and include assisting with activities of daily living, collecting and recording patient data, completing procedures and unit-specific tasks, and observing patients as directed. The position also performs non-clinical duties such as escorting and transporting patients, maintaining patient rooms, and replenishing unit supplies. The role is intended for a nursing student enrolled in a BSN or direct-entry master’s program who has completed nursing fundamentals and two clinical rotations. The student must be in good academic standing and provide one reference letter from a nursing program professor. Candidates must be able to complete at least 250 hours within 12 months, with 50% expected to be off-shift (nights/weekends), and work one winter and one summer holiday per year. This is an onsite position at 75 Francis Street with rotating shifts and 36 scheduled weekly hours.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a BSN or direct-entry master’s nursing program and completed nursing fundamentals and two clinical rotations.
Be in good academic standing in the current program.
Provide one letter of reference from a nursing program professor.
May not currently hold a valid nursing license.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Strong patient/customer service skills.
Proficient computer skills to work efficiently with electronic medical records.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
Complete at least 250 hours within 12 months, with the expectation that 50% will be off-shift (nights/weekends).
Work one winter and one summer holiday per year.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills.
Prior experience in a clinical setting.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Nationally certified Medical Assistant credential.
Nationally certified Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician credential.
New Hampshire Licensed Nursing Assistant credential.
0–1 year of experience working in patient care or elder care.
EPIC experience.
High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing, and grooming; prepare meals and snacks and assist patients during meals when necessary.
Anticipate patients’ ADL needs and adapt standard care to individual needs within the nurse-established plan of care.
Recognize situations requiring notification of the RN and maintain familiarity with expected outcomes, unit activities, equipment, and applicable precautions.
Measure and record non-invasive vital signs and patient weights.
Perform EKGs according to hospital and departmental standards.
Collect and record patient data, including intake and output, glucometry, and guaiac checks.
Assist patients with physical therapy activities ordered by Physical Therapy, deep breathing, coughing, and ambulation.
Set up and clean up for procedures and assist during procedures.
Perform simple dressing changes.
Function as a patient observer under the direction of the RN.
Perform unit-specific clinical duties, including chest physical therapy and placing patients on telemetry.
Escort patients and families when discharged from the unit and ensure patients have full instructions for home care or post-discharge needs.
Transport patients and/or equipment to other areas of the hospital as needed.
Maintain patient rooms, including changing bed linens when needed.
Order and maintain non-perishable supplies in the unit nourishment station and food cabinets.
Perform other duties as assigned.