Patient Care Assistant - 8 E Tele - Full Time 12 Hour Nights (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

18d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) supports nursing staff with patient care delivery, clerical functions, organization of the unit environment, and setup and maintenance of equipment. The emphasis on each area depends on the assigned unit. The role contributes to patient satisfaction and positive outcomes by responding promptly to call lights, anticipating patient needs, making rounds, providing care in collaboration with the RN, and accurately implementing interventions in the patient’s plan of care. The position includes collecting and documenting patient data and providing assistance with vital signs, daily weights, intake and output, hygiene, meals, mobility, transfers, and other essential care. The PCT helps maintain a safe, clean, organized environment and communicates patient needs, concerns, refusals, and significant changes to the RN or Charge Nurse. The role also requires maintaining patient confidentiality and keeping the unit ready for regulatory surveys. Keck Hospital of USC is a 343-bed acute care hospital providing specialized care for complex medical and surgical conditions. It is an academic medical center with clinical trials and affiliated research institutions. The listed hourly rate is $22.88–$38.90.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both 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) where required; if not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained through renewal before expiration.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a health care setting.

Responsibilities

Respond to patient calls within 10 minutes, anticipate needs, and proactively make 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 in collaboration with the RN.
Perform essential care tasks according to routine, physician orders, and RN direction, including vital signs, daily weights, intake and output, hygiene, meal assistance, ambulation, mobility, transfers, and turning bed patients every two hours.
Keep patient rooms clear and organized; provide fresh water at the beginning and end of the shift and as needed.
Prioritize patient needs appropriately.
Ensure a safe physical environment and safe operation of patient-care equipment; keep call lights and telephones within reach and remove fall hazards and obstructions.
Document all care provided, including vital signs, intake and output, meal percentages, equipment used, and patient care.
Identify and introduce yourself to patients and visitors, explain the plan of care, and make your presence known before entering a room or private area.
Use computerized systems to send messages, document care, and communicate patient and unit needs; follow the department’s communication chain.
Promptly report relevant information, significant changes in condition, patient or family concerns, care refusals, and inability to perform self-care to the RN or Charge Nurse.
Collaborate with the RN at the beginning of and throughout the shift on patient care and data collection.
Maintain continuous survey readiness and keep unit areas clean and orderly while following food, storage, linen, and fire-door requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of patient records and other written information.
Perform other related duties as assigned.