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

Keck Medicine of USC•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$22 - $37

About The Position

The Patient Care Assistant, also described as a Patient Care Technician (PCT), supports nursing staff with patient care delivery, clerical functions, unit organization, and the setup and maintenance of equipment. The emphasis on these responsibilities depends on the assigned unit. The role includes responding to patient needs, performing essential care skills under RN direction and according to orders, maintaining a safe and clean environment, documenting care, communicating changes and concerns, and protecting patient confidentiality.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Certified Nursing Assistant certification (CA DPH).
Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association.
Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) where required; if no card is 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 needs, make proactive rounds, and maintain positive interactions with patients and visitors.
Provide the RN with data related to patient assessments and contribute to and implement the patient’s plan of care in collaboration with the RN.
Perform care activities according to routine, physician orders, and RN direction, including taking vital signs and daily weights; recording intake and output; providing hygiene; assisting with meals and feeding; and supporting ambulation, mobility, transfers, and repositioning bed 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 environment and ensure safe operation of patient-care equipment; keep call lights and telephones within reach and clear fall hazards and access routes.
Document all care provided, including vital signs, intake and output, meal percentages, equipment used, and patient care.
Introduce oneself before entering patient rooms or private areas, explain the plan of care, use computerized systems to message and document care, and follow departmental communication channels.
Report pertinent information, significant changes in patient condition, patient and family concerns, refusals of care, and inability to perform self-care to the RN or Charge Nurse in a timely manner; describe actions taken that were ineffective.
Collaborate actively with the RN at the beginning of and throughout the shift regarding patient care and data collection.
Maintain continuous survey readiness and follow unit cleanliness and storage requirements, including keeping designated areas tidy and observing food, container, linen, and fire-door rules.
Maintain patient confidentiality and protect the confidentiality of patient records and other written information.
Perform other related duties as assigned.