Patient Care Associate - Behavioral Health

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System•Spartanburg, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Our Behavioral Health area encompasses Geri Psych, Crisis Adult and Adult units, all newly remodeled. Our patients are 18+ and we work with multiple psych case types utilizing a multi-disciplinary team approach including psychiatrists, registered nurses, case management, licensed social workers and licensed professional counselors. Nurse to patient ratios is based upon acuity. We work with a variety of cases, to include Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Major Depression, Dementia, Eating Disorders, Psychosis, etc. Team members enjoy working in this area due to the unique ability to watch patients improve daily and return to their level of functioning (baseline normal). Also, our team members are very fortunate to be able to impact societal mental health understanding thereby reducing stigma. If you are looking to make a difference, work within an awesome team with a fabulous long tenured leader, we invite you to apply. The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for patient related clerical activities, unit clerical duties, computerized order entry procedures, and other unit activities, as applicable. The PCA must be able to provide and understand the specific communication needs of patients, families, and visitors. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the PCA provides focused non-licensed clinical care for patients throughout the age continuum including phlebotomy, basic nursing skills, etc., and environmental assistance to facilitate quality service and improve patient outcomes. The PCA will document and communicate with team members in a timely manner the patient progress, needs and problems. Collaborates with Leadership in developing and implementing the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare Systems, Mission, and Goals.

Requirements

High School Graduate or equivalent
17-year-olds that will obtain a High School Diploma or GED within six months

Nice To Haves

Hospital experience
Graduate Nurse
Certificate from an approved multi-skilled technician program
Completion of 1st semester of Nursing Clinicals
Phlebotomy Certificate
CNA
BLS

Responsibilities

Basic Computer Skills
Assists patients with activities of daily living in a safe, timely and courteous manner
Performs personal hygiene care with respect to privacy, dignity and needs of the patient
Offers back rubs, prepares for meal times and sleep hours
Delivers meals/snacks and water in a timely manner
Performs vital signs, weights/heights, intakes and outputs with accuracy and within established time frame and/or as requested.
Documents written and verbal communication, which is timely and effective, communicates changes in patient status, actual and potential needs of patient/families/visitors to registered nurse.
Provides care relative to the age-specific needs of the patient on the unit by demonstrating knowledge of the principles of growth and development
Knowledgeable in use of and response to Code Alert/ Facility Alerts
Identifies areas for improvement and seeks ways to work on self-defined weaknesses
Remains committed to unit, department and division goals
Attends continuing education classes for improvement offered at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
Reports risk management concerns to appropriate person
Adheres to proper chain of command.
Hourly Rounds
Bedside Shift Report
Bathing
Shower
Bed
Personal Hygiene
Incontinent Care
Mouth Care
Nail Care
Bed Making
Care of Dentures
Hair Care
Personal Care
Back rubs
Call lights within reach
Side rails up/bed low position
Anticipates needs
Prepares patients for meals
Delivers and collects meal trays
Assists with feedings
Provides fresh water and nourishments
Puts supplies away
Keeps refrigerator clean and organized and ensures all contents are within current date of use.
Straightens, tidies and organizes clean/dirty utility rooms
Performs other activities as assigned.
Applies, removes and records as directed non-sterile heat and cold therapy.
Assists with admissions, discharges, transferring and placing patients.
Empty drainage devices
Foley bags
Ostomy bags
Oral/NG suction catheter
Records and advises nurse of findings
Collects as directed and records routine non-sterile specimens.
Urine
Feces
Sputum
Performs and records peri and Foley catheter care as directed
Measures and records PO intake and output
Takes and records height and weight as directed
Performs as directed turning, positioning, coughing and deep breathing patients.
With proven competency, performs other functions for particular specialty areas (enemas, placement of monitoring leads, documentation).
Other Duties as Assigned