PAT CARE AST

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

1d•$34 - $42

About The Position

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) receives daily assignments and works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse to provide direct patient care. The role supports quality patient care and customer service by meeting patient needs, learning new skills, and working cooperatively with other staff and the public. PCAs are expected to communicate effectively, demonstrate honesty and respect, show sensitivity to age-specific needs and cultural differences, and exchange feedback professionally. The PCA provides general and technical patient care, contributes to patient comfort and safety, and completes assigned documentation. The position also involves responding to emergencies, maintaining equipment and supplies, and following Medical Center policies, including confidentiality, infection control, health and safety, and service standards. The position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

Requirements

At least 1 year of hands-on work in a healthcare environment.
Ability to work effectively within a team.
Ability to satisfactorily perform the duties described in the job description.
Willingness to be taught and learn new skills.
Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations, including addition and subtraction.
Ability to organize and effectively set priorities.
Ability to carry out first-responder duties in emergency situations.
Successful completion of Medical Center Patient Care Assistant training.
Basic computer skills.
Flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the job responsibilities.
Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
One year of EKG experience.

Responsibilities

Provide or assist with personal hygiene, including bathing, mouth care, elimination needs, and changing bed linens.
Respond promptly to patient call lights.
Promote patient comfort and safety by following prescribed measures, including ambulation, positioning, range-of-motion exercises, and use of side rails, special beds, and restraints.
Turn, move, and transfer patients or equipment using proper body mechanics.
Assist patients with meals, including collecting menus, setting up trays, cutting food, and feeding.
Record nutritional intake, including calorie counts for selected patients.
Assist with patient admission, discharge, transfer, and transport, including personal belongings and equipment.
Orient new patients to their room or unit.
Organize and prioritize care tasks and assignments based on patient needs and preferences and unit activities.
Assist with post-mortem care as assigned by the RN.
Perform sitter or close-observation duties as assigned.
Recognize when supervision or guidance is needed and seek appropriate resources.
Communicate pertinent information, observations, and care provided in verbal and written reports.
Document procedures and care accurately, legibly, and with proper signatures.
Report and record delegated patient data, including vital signs, pain scores, oxygen saturation, height, weight, and intake and output; collect other patient data as assigned.
Perform selected patient care procedures and treatments as assigned by the RN, including basic skin care, hot or cold compresses or ice packs, and incentive spirometry.
Act as a first responder in emergency situations.
Set up and maintain oxygen therapy equipment.
Label specimens accurately and arrange timely delivery to the laboratory.
Perform EKGs and complete required documentation; check and maintain EKG machines as required by the unit.
Operate nursing unit equipment, such as computers, fax machines, imprinter devices, and intercom systems.
Complete assigned unit maintenance, including stocking supplies and cleaning or maintaining equipment such as IV pumps, dinamaps, slide boards, and wheelchairs.
Follow unit, department, and Medical Center policies, procedures, and work rules; maintain patient and staff confidentiality.
Follow Medical Center house and telephone standards and applicable infection-control, health, and safety policies; complete annual safety training.
Support the Medical Center's mission, philosophy, and goals, and participate in unit/team goals, meetings, in-services, and required educational programs.
Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities and support department or unit quality targets.
Maintain a clean, safe, functional, neat, and orderly work environment; correct or report unsafe conditions and report broken equipment or furniture.
Start work at the scheduled time and complete work on time; follow guidelines for sick leave and other paid time off.
Comply with the dress code, including wearing photo identification.
Provide assistance to team members and use the appropriate chain of command when problem-solving or seeking information.
Perform other assigned duties, which may include emptying linen hampers, answering phones or reception, and collecting meal trays.
Follow UCSF Medical Center service standards, communicate effectively, demonstrate cultural sensitivity and teamwork, and adhere to privacy, confidentiality, security, safety, and infection-control practices.