Patient Care Assistant Cardiac Surgery BWH

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Working under the direction of licensed personnel, the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) assists patients with activities of daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. The PCA also assists with taking patients' temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. The PCA is responsible for supporting the RN with clinical tasks, including, but not limited to glucometry, EKGs, and vital signs. In addition, the PCA is 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, and one letter of reference must be from a Nursing Program Professor
Knowledge of medical terminology.
May not currently hold a valid nursing license.
Candidates must be able to meet scheduling requirements outlined below
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
Proficient in computer skills to work efficiently with electronic medical records.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual skills preferred.
Prior experience in a clinical setting preferred.
EPIC experience preferred.
High School Diploma or Equivalent 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
Experience working in patient care/elder care 0-1 year preferred

Responsibilities

Performs vital signs, weights/heights, intakes, and outputs with accuracy and within established time frame and/or as requested.
Completes all documentation in the medical record as required.
Interacts with patients and their families effectively.
Helps patients with a number of basic hygiene tasks, including bathing and dressing patients, helping them use the toilet if needed, and feeding them.
Assist with helping patients turn and reposition themselves in bed as needed and help them move between the bed and a wheelchair if they use one.
Listens to any health concerns patients may have and report those concerns to the nurses.
Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including but not limited to: bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing, and grooming.
Prepares/sets-up patients for meals and snacks and will assist patient during meals, when necessary.
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, within the plan of care established by the nurse.
Maintains familiarity with expected patient outcomes of all tasks performed, recognizes situations requiring RN notification.
Maintains thorough understanding of activity and equipment within 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, but not limited to, chest physical therapy, placing patients on telemetry.
Responsible for escorting patients/families upon being discharged from unit.
Ensures that patient has full instructions of home care or needs post-discharge.
Transports patients and/or equipment to other areas of the hospital, when needed.
Maintains patient rooms, including changing bed linens, etc. when needed.
Orders and maintains non-perishable supplies in unit nourishment station and food cabinets.
All other duties, as assigned.