Patient Care Associate (PCA)

Northwell Health

About The Position

Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Patient Care Associate assists patients with activities of daily living, provides basic nursing care, and performs procedures, examinations, and tests. The role also helps maintain a safe and clean environment and promotes positive customer relations. The Patient Care Associate is a member of the nursing care team and participates in implementing patients’ plans of care. Duties include supporting patient needs, communicating and documenting patient status and other pertinent information, assisting with procedures and clerical tasks, maintaining patient-care areas and supplies, transporting patients, and following infection-control and safety procedures. The role also participates in education programs and staff meetings and may access medication delivery or medication areas when authorized. A high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of a New York State Certified Nursing Attendant program are required. Candidates must pass the Long Island Jewish Medical Center Patient Care Associate competency test before entering the training program and pass the training program within the normal probationary period. Heart Saver Certification and demonstrated competency in EKG testing or venipuncture are preferred.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of a New York State Certified Nursing Attendant program.
Pass the Long Island Jewish Medical Center Patient Care Associate competency test before entering the training program.
Pass the Long Island Jewish Medical Center training program within the normal probationary period.
Ability to communicate effectively and follow written and/or oral instructions.
Demonstrated competency in basic mathematics.
Ability to operate the medical equipment necessary to perform job duties.
Ability to lift, turn, position, move, and restrain patients as required.

Nice To Haves

Heart Saver Certification.
Demonstrated competency in EKG testing or venipuncture.

Responsibilities

Participate as a member of the nursing care team in implementing patients’ plans of care.
Promote positive customer relations with patients and their families.
Recommend improvements to patient care and to the safety and cost-effectiveness of the health-care environment.
Assist the nurse with patients’ activities of daily living.
Communicate and document patient status and other pertinent data.
Assist nurses and other health team members with procedures, examinations, tests, treatments, and clerical duties required by the unit.
Keep patient and non-patient care areas neat and orderly; strip patient units after discharge and prepare rooms for admissions.
Maintain stock on procedure and supply carts and keep equipment clean and in its proper place.
Transport or accompany patients to departments as directed; provide post-mortem care and transport bodies to the morgue.
Use proper isolation techniques and follow safety, waste disposal, and infection-control procedures.
Follow Medical Center policies and procedures supporting quality assurance in patient care services.
Participate in continuing education programs and surveys and attend staff meetings as directed.
Access medication delivery and/or medication areas when authorized and required for assigned duties.
Perform related duties as required.