Patient Care Assistant - 5 S ICU - Per Diem 12 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Patient Care Assistant (also referred to in the posting as a Patient Care Technician, or PCT) supports nursing staff with patient care, clerical functions, organization of the unit environment, and the setup and maintenance of equipment. The emphasis on these duties depends on the assigned unit. The role contributes to patient satisfaction, safety, accurate documentation, effective communication, and regulatory readiness while collaborating with the RN on patient care and data collection.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CA DPH).
Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association.
Fire Life Safety Training (LA City); if not held at hire, it must be obtained within 30 days of hire and renewed before expiration (required within LA City only).

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a health care setting.

Responsibilities

Respond to patient calls within 10 minutes, anticipate patient needs, and make proactive rounds.
Maintain positive, pleasant interactions with patients and visitors.
Provide the RN with relevant patient assessment data and contribute to the patient’s plan of care; implement care interventions in collaboration with the RN.
Perform assigned care skills as directed by routine, physician orders, and the RN, including taking vital signs and daily weights; measuring intake and output; providing hygiene care; assisting with meals and feeding; and supporting ambulation, mobility, transfers, and repositioning bedbound patients every two hours.
Keep patient rooms clear and organized, provide fresh water at the beginning and end of shifts and as needed, and prioritize patient needs appropriately.
Maintain a safe environment and safe operation of patient-care equipment; keep call lights and telephones within reach and ensure floors and pathways are clear and equipment is accessible.
Document care provided, including vital signs, intake and output, meal percentages, equipment used, and patient care.
Introduce self before entering rooms or private areas, explain the plan of care to patients, and communicate professionally without discussing other patients or unit operations inappropriately.
Use computerized systems to send messages, document care, and communicate patient and unit needs; follow departmental communication channels.
Report pertinent information, significant changes in patient condition, patient or family concerns, refusals of care, and inability to perform self-care to the RN or Charge Nurse in a timely manner, including actions taken that were ineffective.
Collaborate actively with the RN at the beginning of and throughout the shift regarding patient care and data collection.
Maintain continuous survey readiness and follow unit requirements for food, containers, storage, linens, fire doors, and cleanliness of the nurses’ station, locker room, and pantry.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information and records.
Perform other related duties as assigned.