PAT CARE AST

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

1d•$34 - $42

About The Position

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) receives daily assignments and works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse to provide direct patient care. The role supports patients’ needs and contributes to quality care and service by communicating effectively, cooperating with colleagues and other staff, demonstrating honesty and respect, showing sensitivity to age-specific needs and cultural differences, and giving and receiving feedback professionally. The PCA provides general and technical patient care, including assistance with personal hygiene, comfort, safety, meals, mobility, transfers, and unit procedures. The role also supports patient admissions, discharges, transport, observation, documentation, emergency response, equipment maintenance, and a clean and safe care environment. Patient-care team members are expected to follow Medical Center policies, protect confidentiality, participate in training and quality improvement, and demonstrate UCSF’s Living PRIDE standards for service, communication, respect, and professionalism.

Requirements

At least 1 year of hands-on work in a healthcare environment.
Ability to work effectively within a team.
Ability to satisfactorily perform the duties defined in the job description.
Willingness to be taught and learn new skills.
Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations, including addition and subtraction.
Ability to organize and set priorities effectively.
Ability to carry out first-responder duties in emergency situations.
Successful completion of Medical Center Patient Care Assistant training.
Basic computer skills.
Flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the job responsibilities.
Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
One year of EKG experience.

Responsibilities

Provide or assist with bathing, mouth care, elimination needs, and changing bed linens.
Respond promptly to patients’ call lights.
Promote patient comfort and safety by following prescribed measures, including ambulation, positioning, range-of-motion exercises, side rails, special beds, and restraints.
Turn, move, and transfer patients or equipment using proper body mechanics.
Assist patients with food needs, including collecting menus, setting up meal trays, cutting food, and feeding.
Record nutritional intake, including calorie counts for selected patients.
Assist with patient admissions, discharges, transfers, and transport of patients, belongings, and equipment.
Orient new patients to their room or unit.
Organize and prioritize patient-care tasks based on patient needs and preferences and unit activities.
Assist with post-mortem care as assigned by the RN.
Perform sitter or close-observation responsibilities as assigned.
Recognize when supervision or guidance is needed and seek appropriate resources.
Communicate pertinent information, observations, and care provided through verbal and written reports.
Accurately and legibly document procedures and care, with appropriate signatures.
Report and record delegated patient data, including vital signs, pain scores, oxygen saturation, height, weight, and intake and output; collect other patient data as assigned.
Perform selected patient-care procedures and treatments as assigned by the RN, such as basic skin care, hot or cold compresses, ice packs, and incentive spirometry.
Carry out first-responder duties in emergency situations.
Set up and maintain oxygen therapy equipment.
Label specimens accurately and arrange timely delivery to the laboratory.
Perform EKGs and complete required documentation; check and maintain EKG machines as required by the unit.
Operate nursing-unit equipment, including computers, fax machines, imprinter devices, and intercom systems, as required.
Complete assigned unit maintenance, including stocking supplies and maintaining or cleaning equipment such as IV pumps, dinamaps, slide boards, and wheelchairs.
Follow unit, department, and Medical Center policies, procedures, and work rules; maintain patient and staff confidentiality.
Follow Medical Center house and telephone standards and applicable infection-control, health, and safety procedures; complete annual safety training.
Support the Medical Center’s mission, philosophy, and goals; participate in unit/team goal development, staff meetings, in-services, and required educational programs.
Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement processes and support improvement of relevant quality metrics.
Maintain a clean, safe, functional, neat, orderly, and clutter-free work environment; follow cleaning processes and report unsafe or broken equipment and furniture.
Start work at the scheduled time and complete work on time; follow guidelines on sick leave and other paid time off; comply with the dress code, including photo identification.
Provide unsolicited assistance to team members and use the appropriate chain of command when solving problems or seeking information.
Perform other assigned duties, which may include emptying linen hampers, answering phones or unit reception, and collecting meal trays.
Follow Living PRIDE service standards, including effective communication, telephone etiquette, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, professionalism, and appropriate handling of difficult situations.
Escort patients or family members who need directions and demonstrate supportive interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.
Adhere to privacy, confidentiality, security, safety, and infection-control policies and procedures related to protected health information and other sensitive information.
Keep the physical environment and equipment protected from damage and theft; dispose of litter found throughout the facility and post flyers only in designated areas.