Patient Care Assistant - 8 E Pulmonary Medical Telemetry - Per Diem 12 Hour Nights (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$23 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) supports nursing staff with patient care delivery, clerical functions, organization of the unit environment, and the setup and maintenance of equipment. The emphasis on these areas depends on the assigned unit. The role contributes to patient satisfaction and positive patient outcomes by anticipating and responding to patient needs, carrying out care interventions in collaboration with the RN, documenting care, maintaining a safe environment, and communicating patient information and concerns promptly. The position is per diem and is assigned to the 8 East Pulmonary Medical Telemetry unit at Keck Hospital of USC.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Certified Nursing Assistant certification from the California Department of Public Health.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association.
Fire Life Safety Training (LA City); if not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained through renewal before expiration, as required within LA City.

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 relevant patient assessment data, contribute to the patient’s plan of care, and implement care interventions in collaboration with the RN.
Perform assigned patient-care tasks, including taking vital signs, recording daily weights and intake and output, providing hygiene and feeding assistance, maintaining patient rooms, supporting ambulation and mobility, turning bed patients every two hours, and transferring patients between bed and chair.
Provide fresh water at the beginning and end of the shift and as needed, and prioritize patient needs appropriately.
Maintain a safe physical environment and safe operation of patient-care equipment; keep call lights and telephones within reach and ensure pathways and access to bathrooms, mobility aids, and emergency equipment remain clear.
Document all care provided, including vital signs, intake and output, meal percentages, equipment used, and patient care.
Introduce self, explain the plan of care, communicate appropriately, and use computerized systems to send messages, document care, and communicate patient or unit needs.
Report significant changes in patient condition, patient and family concerns, refusal of care, and inability to perform self-care to the RN or Charge Nurse in a timely manner.
Collaborate actively with the RN at the beginning of and throughout the shift regarding patient care and data collection.
Maintain unit survey readiness and cleanliness, following stated food, refrigerator, linen, fire-door, and housekeeping requirements.
Maintain patient confidentiality and protect confidential patient records and other written information.
Perform other related duties as assigned.