Patient Care Associate (PCA)- 5 West

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System•Spartanburg, SC

67d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) on 5 West is responsible for patient-related clerical activities, unit clerical duties, computerized order entry procedures, and other unit activities as applicable. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the PCA provides focused non-licensed clinical care to patients across the age continuum, including phlebotomy and basic nursing skills, as well as environmental assistance to support quality service and patient outcomes. The PCA documents and communicates patient progress, needs, and problems to team members in a timely manner and collaborates with Leadership in developing and implementing Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s mission and goals. 5 West is a 19-bed unit serving patients with acute and chronic renal failure and patients requiring telemetry monitoring. Peritoneal dialysis is administered at the bedside. Spartanburg Medical Center on East Wood Street is a research and teaching hospital serving Upstate South Carolina residents.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent; 17-year-olds may qualify if they will obtain a high school diploma or GED within six months.
Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Hospital experience.
Graduate Nurse.
Certificate from an approved multi-skilled technician program.
Completion of the first semester of Nursing Clinicals.
Phlebotomy Certificate.
CNA certification.
BLS certification.

Responsibilities

Perform patient-related clerical activities, unit clerical duties, computerized order entry, and other applicable unit activities.
Provide non-licensed clinical care under the direction of a Registered Nurse, including phlebotomy and basic nursing skills.
Assist patients with activities of daily living safely, promptly, and courteously.
Provide personal hygiene care while respecting patient privacy, dignity, and needs; assist with bathing, oral care, nail care, hair care, incontinent care, denture care, and bed making.
Offer back rubs and prepare patients for meals and sleep hours.
Deliver meals, snacks, and water; collect meal trays; assist with feedings; and provide fresh water and nourishment.
Measure and record vital signs, height, weight, intake, and output accurately and within established time frames or as requested.
Document and communicate changes in patient status and actual or potential needs of patients, families, and visitors to the Registered Nurse in a timely and effective manner.
Provide age-specific care by applying knowledge of growth and development principles.
Respond appropriately to Code Alerts and facility alerts.
Identify areas for improvement, work on self-defined weaknesses, remain committed to unit, department, and division goals, and attend continuing education offered by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
Report risk-management concerns to the appropriate person and adhere to the proper chain of command.
Perform hourly rounds and participate in bedside shift report.
Keep call lights within reach, maintain side rails and low bed position as appropriate, and anticipate patient needs.
Put supplies away; keep the refrigerator clean and organized and ensure contents are within their dates of use; and tidy and organize clean and dirty utility rooms.
Apply, remove, and record non-sterile heat and cold therapy as directed.
Assist with patient admissions, discharges, transfers, and placement.
Empty drainage devices, including Foley bags, ostomy bags, and oral/NG suction catheters; record findings and advise the nurse.
Collect and record routine non-sterile specimens as directed, including urine, feces, and sputum.
Perform peri and Foley catheter care as directed.
Turn and position patients and assist with coughing and deep-breathing exercises as directed.
With proven competency, perform other functions for particular specialty areas, such as enemas, placement of monitoring leads, and documentation.
Perform other activities as assigned.