Patient Care Assistant - Medical ICU - Jeff Hwy - Days

Ochsner Health•New Orleans, LA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

This job works collaboratively to maintain patient safety and provide basic patient care under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. The Patient Care Assistant may provide constant patient observation, notify nursing personnel of changes in behavior or status and when leaving the room, and intervene as needed to maintain patient safety. The role communicates effectively with co-workers, patients, families, and visitors; performs functions delegated by nursing staff; and adheres to policies and procedures. The position supports the nurse-delegated plan of care within the scope of skills verification, maintains a clean and safe patient care environment, provides care appropriate to the physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs of patients, documents patient-related tasks, and adapts communication and conduct to the patient population. The employee must comply with applicable laws, accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and the employer’s Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct. The role is based in a patient care area and involves direct patient contact and routine exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissue, as well as occupational risk of exposure to communicable diseases and potentially hazardous medications or waste. The position is classified as Medium Work, involving exertion of 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association, to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification, to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
Proficiency with Windows-style applications, role-specific software packages, and keyboarding.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent time-management skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including 24/7 availability, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability.

Nice To Haves

Three months of personal-care experience in a home or clinical setting, such as sitter-type services, personal care in a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or hospital, including bathing, oral care, and personal hygiene.

Responsibilities

Support the plan of care as delegated by staff nurses and within the scope of skills verification.
Maintain a clean and safe environment in the patient care area.
Provide care based on patients’ physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related needs, appropriate to the ages of patients served.
Communicate patient care needs effectively with patients, families, staff members, and multidisciplinary teams.
Complete documentation of patient-related tasks.
Adapt behavior and communication to the specific patient population, including respecting privacy, introducing oneself appropriately, explaining services or procedures, requesting permission, and adapting communication style.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance.
Immediately report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance-related concerns.
Provide constant observation when required, notify nursing personnel of changes in patient behavior or status and when leaving the room, and intervene as needed to maintain patient safety.