Patient Care Assistant - Pre-Post Adv Endo Ctr HC2 - Full Time 12 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides nursing staff support in patient care delivery, clerical functions, organization of the unit environment, and the setup and maintenance of equipment. The emphasis on each area depends on the assigned unit. In collaboration with the RN, the PCT contributes input to the patient’s plan of care, accurately implements interventions, and performs essential skills that support positive patient outcomes according to routine, physician orders, and RN direction. The role includes responding to patient needs, taking vital signs and daily weights, measuring intake and output, assisting with hygiene, meals, ambulation, mobility, and transfers, and keeping patient rooms and equipment organized and safe. The PCT documents care, communicates pertinent patient information and changes to the RN or Charge Nurse, follows unit communication procedures, and supports regulatory readiness and patient confidentiality. The position also assists with staff orientation, training, and continuing education, and performs other related duties as assigned. Keck Hospital of USC is a 343-bed acute care hospital providing specialized care for complex medical and surgical conditions. It is a leading academic medical center with clinical trials and affiliated research institutions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Certified Nursing Assistant credential 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. Required within LA City only.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience as a CNA in a health care setting.

Responsibilities

Respond to patient calls within 10 minutes, anticipate patient needs, and make proactive rounds to reduce calls.
Maintain positive, pleasant 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 tasks as directed, including taking vital signs and daily weights, measuring intake and output, providing hygiene, assisting with meals and feeding, and supporting ambulation, mobility, turning, and transfers.
Keep patient rooms clear and organized, provide fresh water at the beginning and end of shifts and as needed, and prioritize patient needs.
Ensure a safe physical environment and safe operation of patient-care equipment; keep call lights and telephones within reach and clear hazards and obstructions from patient areas.
Document all care provided, including vital signs, intake and output, meal percentages, equipment used, and patient care.
Introduce oneself before entering a room or private area, explain the plan of care, and communicate appropriately with patients and visitors.
Use computerized systems to send messages, document care, and communicate patient and unit needs to other departments.
Report pertinent information, significant changes in condition, patient and family concerns, refusals of care, and inability to perform self-care to the RN or Charge Nurse in a timely manner.
Collaborate with the RN at the beginning of and throughout the shift regarding patient care and data collection.
Maintain continuous survey readiness and follow unit requirements for food, containers, refrigerators, linens, fire doors, and cleanliness of work areas.
Maintain confidentiality of patient records and other written information.
Assist with staff orientation, training, and continuing education.
Perform other related duties as assigned.