Patient Care Associate: D5E Neuro Progressive Care, 36 hrs/week

Albany Medical Center•Albany, NY

2d•$43,599 - $56,679

About The Position

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) works under the direction of a Registered Nurse and assists the caregiving team in delivering competent, compassionate patient care. During assigned work periods, the PCA collects patient data, provides personal care, performs point-of-care testing such as whole blood glucose testing, turns, positions, and mobilizes patients, and supports assigned patients’ care needs with a focus on progress toward discharge, including transitions during the acute care stay. The PCA is trained to perform technical procedures such as blood draws and electrocardiography, and collaborates with Materials Coordinators to support the availability, stocking, and storage of patient-care supplies. The PCA helps create and maintain a clean, orderly, and safe care environment, and may provide activity-companion services for patients requiring 1:1 observation. The role includes communicating patient progress to the Registered Nurse, documenting care in the patient record, and handling sensitive information in accordance with applicable laws and Albany Med Health System policies and standards.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Basic knowledge of medical terminology at medium proficiency.
Ability to communicate cooperatively and effectively with patients, family members, employees, and others.
Honesty, punctuality, and adherence to high standards of ethical conduct.

Nice To Haves

Less than one year of experience in a health care setting or completion of a certified nurse assistant course.
Experience as a paramedic or emergency technician.

Responsibilities

Collect patient data and information, including vital signs, height and weight, and food and fluid intake and output.
Report abnormal findings to the Registered Nurse and patient care team.
Participate in care planning and the nursing report process.
Respect patient and family rights to participate in care decisions and use standardized techniques to keep them informed.
Provide personal care, including bathing, oral care, and skin care.
Assist patients with eating, hydration, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
Use safe patient-handling practices while assisting with ambulation, range of motion, and assistive or prosthetic devices.
Promote a clean, orderly, and safe care environment.
Use standard and transmission-based precautions and infection-control techniques.
Provide the Registered Nurse with details about patient progress toward goals and outcomes.
Document all care in the patient record.
Perform point-of-care testing, including whole blood glucose testing, and trained technical procedures such as blood draws and electrocardiography.
Collaborate with Materials Coordinators to support the use, stocking, and storage of supplies.
Provide activity-companion services for patients requiring 1:1 observation when asked.
Protect sensitive information by limiting access and use to what is necessary for assigned duties and following applicable policies and standards.