Patient Care Associate (PCA) - Med Surg 3 Pelham

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System•Greer, SC

About The Position

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) performs patient-related clerical activities, unit clerical duties, computerized order entry, and other unit activities as applicable. The PCA provides communication support to patients, families, and visitors and, under the direction of a Registered Nurse, provides focused non-licensed clinical care across the age continuum. This care may include phlebotomy, basic nursing skills, and 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. The role includes assisting patients with activities of daily living and personal hygiene while respecting privacy, dignity, and individual needs; performing and documenting measurements and observations; supporting meals, rest, and unit operations; and assisting with specified procedures as directed. Further duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Applicants who are 17 years old 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.
BLS.

Responsibilities

Perform patient-related clerical activities, unit clerical duties, and computerized order entry procedures as applicable.
Provide focused non-licensed clinical care under the direction of a Registered Nurse, including phlebotomy and basic nursing skills as applicable.
Assist patients with activities of daily living safely, promptly, and courteously, while respecting privacy and dignity.
Provide personal hygiene care, including bathing, mouth care, nail care, hair care, incontinent care, denture care, and bed making.
Offer back rubs, prepare patients for meals and sleep, deliver and collect meal trays, assist with feedings, and provide fresh water and nourishments.
Keep call lights within reach, maintain side rails and bed position as directed, and anticipate patient needs.
Perform and accurately record vital signs, height, weight, intake, and output within established time frames or as requested.
Document and communicate patient progress, status changes, needs, and problems to the Registered Nurse and team members in a timely and effective manner.
Provide care that reflects knowledge of the age-specific needs and growth and development principles relevant to patients on the unit.
Respond appropriately to Code Alerts and facility alerts.
Complete hourly rounds and participate in bedside shift reports.
Put supplies away; keep the refrigerator clean, organized, and free of expired contents; 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, including urine, feces, and sputum, as directed.
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.
Identify areas for improvement, work on self-defined weaknesses, and attend continuing education classes offered by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
Remain committed to unit, department, and division goals; report risk management concerns to the appropriate person; and adhere to the proper chain of command.
Perform other activities and duties as assigned.