Patient Care Assistant

Emerus•Penn Township, 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, along with related clerical functions. The role requires knowledge of growth and development across different life cycles and the ability to provide competent care to the patient populations served. The position is at a 20-bed small-format hospital with 10 emergency-room beds and 10 inpatient beds. The listed schedule is PRN nights, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The assistant works with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members to promote quality, safe patient care.

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, including written and verbal communication.
For Pennsylvania candidates: Act 33 Child Abuse History Clearance and Act 73 FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Clearance completed within the last five years, or obtained before the start date.

Nice To Haves

Certified Nursing Assistant.

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.
Apply knowledge and skills appropriate to the patients and populations served, including their different life cycles.
Collaborate with healthcare team members to plan, expedite, and promote quality patient care.
Use critical thinking to identify and respond to abnormal findings and report 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.
Perform or assist with baths and mobility, transport patients within the facility, and perform assigned treatments as directed.
Keep equipment and patient rooms orderly and perform housekeeping duties for patient rooms.
Perform assigned computer data entry, serve as Unit Clerk, and monitor patients as assigned.
Provide safe care in accordance with policies, procedures, and standards of care, while managing time and supplies and maintaining accuracy of practice.
Meet mandatory all-staff meeting, continuing education, and skills competency requirements.
Support department goals and serve as a preceptor, mentor, or resource to less experienced staff.