Patient Care Associate (PCA)- Med Surg-Cherokee

About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with activities of daily living in a safe, timely and courteous manner.
• Perform personal hygiene care with respect to privacy, dignity and needs of the patient.
• Offer back rubs, prepare for meal times and sleep hours.
• Deliver meals/snacks and water in a timely manner.
• Perform vital signs, weights/heights, intakes and outputs with accuracy and within established time frame and/or as requested.
• Document 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.
• Provide care relative to the age-specific needs of the patient on the unit by demonstrating knowledge of the principles of growth and development.
• Remain committed to unit, department and division goals.
• Attend continuing education classes for improvement offered at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
• Report risk management concerns to appropriate person.
• Adhere to proper chain of command.
• Perform hourly rounds and bedside shift report.
• Assist with bathing, showering, and personal hygiene care.
• Prepare patients for meals and assist with feedings.
• Perform unit activities such as putting supplies away and keeping the refrigerator clean and organized.
• Apply, remove and record non-sterile heat and cold therapy as directed.
• Assist with admissions, discharges, transferring and placing patients.
• Collect and record routine non-sterile specimens as directed.
• Perform and record peri and Foley catheter care as directed.

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