Patient Care Assistant - T5

Tower Health•West Reading, PA

About The Position

The Patient Care Assistant provides nursing care to patients under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse. The role supports activities of daily living, including bathing, changing, toileting, and dressing, and provides clinical patient care that does not require a nursing license. It also includes light housekeeping in patient rooms and shared areas; assisting with call lights and phone operations; orienting patients’ families and visitors; and keeping patient care areas stocked. The assistant maintains accurate electronic medical records and documents patient care interactions, reviews care plans and ongoing activities with the assigned registered nurse, and helps maintain patient flow by tracking room availability and patient admissions and discharges. After discharge, the assistant cleans patient rooms with nursing staff, disposes of used items appropriately, and ensures reusable items are processed for sterilization and reuse. The role requires applying patient-safety practices and demonstrating responsible, professional behavior as part of a team. The Ortho/Trauma Department is a 30-bed adult and geriatric surgical unit primarily caring for orthopedic, trauma, neurosurgical, joint replacement, and medical overflow patients.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
BLS certification.
Excellent communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Direct patient care experience is preferred but not required.
Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Certification is required if hired for the Transitional Sub-Acute Unit (TSU) at Reading Health Rehabilitation Hospital (RHRH).

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care to patients under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, changing, toileting, and dressing.
Perform light housekeeping in patient rooms and maintain cleanliness in utility rooms, linen and storage closets, and hallways.
Provide clinical patient care that does not require a nursing license.
Assist with call lights and phone operations, orient patient families and visitors, and keep patient care areas properly stocked.
Maintain accurate electronic medical records and document patient care interactions.
Review and discuss patient care plans and ongoing care activities with the assigned registered nurse.
Support efficient patient flow by monitoring room availability and patient intakes and discharges.
Clean patient rooms after discharge with nursing staff, dispose of used items in appropriate containers, and ensure reusable items are processed for sterilization and reuse.
Demonstrate and follow correct patient safety practices.
Maintain responsible and professional behavior while working as part of a team.