Patient Care Assistant - 5 S ICU - Per Diem 12 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

4d•$23 - $39

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides nursing staff support in patient care delivery, clerical functions, organization of the unit environment, and equipment setup and maintenance. The emphasis on each area depends on the assigned unit. This role is in the 5 S ICU at Keck Hospital of USC and is per diem for 12-hour day shifts. The PCT supports positive patient outcomes by responding to patient needs, performing essential care skills as directed by routing, physician orders, and the RN, maintaining a safe and organized environment, documenting care, communicating effectively with patients and the care team, and maintaining patient confidentiality. Keck Hospital of USC is a 343-bed acute care hospital providing specialized care for complex medical and surgical conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, 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) is required within LA City; if not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days 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 patient needs, make proactive rounds, and maintain positive interactions with patients and visitors.
Provide the RN with data related to patient assessment and contribute to and implement the patient's plan of care in collaboration with the RN.
Perform patient-care skills as directed, including taking vital signs and daily weights, tracking intake and output, providing hygiene care, assisting with meals and feeding, and supporting ambulation, mobility, transfers, and repositioning bed-bound patients every two hours.
Maintain clear, organized patient rooms and provide fresh water at the beginning and end of shifts and as needed.
Prioritize patient needs appropriately.
Maintain a safe patient environment and ensure 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.
Introduce self before entering patient rooms or private areas, explain the plan of care, and communicate appropriately with patients, visitors, and team members.
Use computerized systems to send messages, document care, and communicate patient or unit needs to other departments; follow the department's communication channels.
Promptly report pertinent information, significant changes in patient condition, patient or family concerns, care refusals, and inability to perform self-care to the RN or Charge Nurse, including ineffective actions taken.
Collaborate actively with the RN at the beginning and throughout the shift on patient care and data collection.
Maintain continuous survey readiness and keep the nurses' station, locker room, and pantry clean and tidy; follow unit rules for food, drink, containers, linens, fire doors, and storage.
Maintain patient confidentiality and protect patient records and other written information.
Perform other related duties as assigned.