Patient Care Assistant

Emerus•West Grove, PA

About The Position

The Patient Care Assistant performs advanced indirect and selected direct patient care duties in support of the nursing process, under the direction of an RN, and completes related clerical functions. The role requires knowledge of growth and development across different life cycles and the ability to provide care appropriate to the patients served. The assistant provides care within the hospital-approved PCA skills inventory and collaborates with the healthcare team to promote quality patient care. Duties include identifying and promptly reporting abnormal findings, maintaining simple drainage devices, taking vital signs, performing blood glucose checks and EKGs, monitoring intake and output, preparing patients for procedures, assisting with daily care and mobility, transporting patients, maintaining patient rooms and equipment, and completing assigned computer data entry. The assistant may also serve as a Unit Clerk or monitor patients. This is a PRN night position at a 20-bed small-format hospital, with shifts from 7 PM to 7 AM. The position requires safe, accurate care and effective time and supply management, as well as participation in required meetings, continuing education, and skills competency activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Current BLS certification.
Two years of work experience in an acute care hospital as a Nursing Assistant, or current enrollment in an accredited nursing program; this qualification is preferred for hires in Oklahoma.
Ability to understand written instructions and perform basic mathematical calculations.
Demonstrated skills for the assigned specialty area, function, or procedures, and ability to perform duties with increased responsibilities.
Ability to perform duties requiring prolonged standing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting.
Basic knowledge and understanding of PPE protocols and universal precautions.
Fluency in English and written and verbal communication skills.
Pennsylvania candidates must have completed Act 33 (Child Abuse History Clearance) and Act 73 (FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Clearance) within the last five years, or obtain them before the start date.

Nice To Haves

Certified Nursing Assistant certification.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced indirect and selected direct patient care within the hospital-approved PCA skills inventory and as directed by a physician or registered nurse.
Collaborate with healthcare team members to plan, expedite, and promote quality patient care.
Use critical thinking to identify and respond to abnormal findings, reporting them to the nurse immediately.
Maintain simple drainage devices; take vital signs; perform blood glucose checks and EKGs; monitor intake and output; and maintain related records.
Perform skin preparations and prepare patients for procedures as directed.
Answer call bells; prepare patients for meals; prepare meals and feed patients; assist with baths and mobility; transport patients within the facility; and perform assigned treatments.
Maintain equipment and patient rooms in an orderly fashion and perform housekeeping duties for patient rooms.
Perform assigned computer data entry and serve as Unit Clerk and/or monitor patients as assigned.
Provide safe care in accordance with policies, procedures, and standards of care, while managing time and supplies and maintaining accuracy.
Meet requirements for mandatory all-staff meetings, continuing education, and skills competency.
Support department goals and serve as a preceptor, mentor, or resource to less experienced staff.