Patient Care Associate NICU

American Addiction Centers • Oak Lawn, IL

1d • $21 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) assists the Registered Nurse (RN) with the daily care of patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This role involves direct patient care activities such as bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, and assisting with ambulation and positioning. The PCA also monitors and documents vital signs, intake and output, and patient data in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). They perform purposeful rounding, participate in patient admissions, transfers, and discharges, and ensure patient call lights are within reach and answered promptly. Additionally, the PCA collects specimens, maintains nursing area stock, cleans equipment, and performs patient positioning and transporting duties. They also assist with nutritional needs, skin integrity, and special patient supplies. Under RN direction, tasks may include IV removal, post-mortem care, and bladder scans. The role requires adherence to infection prevention policies, including hand hygiene and aseptic techniques. The PCA must demonstrate knowledge of age-specific care for the patients served, understanding growth and development principles.

Requirements

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 45 days, and Nurse Aide in good standing as indicated with the State Registry in which the team member practices.
• Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), or High School Graduate.
• None (Experience Required).
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities.

Responsibilities

• Assists RN with daily care of patients including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders and ambulation which may include use of therapeutic assistive devices, proper positioning, range of motion and special transferring as indicated.
• Measures and documents blood pressures, TPRs (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration), I & O (Intake and Output), daily weights, and other patient data as requested.
• Documents accurately in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Performs purposeful rounding under direction of RN and promptly communicates observations, concerns, and needs of patient/family to RN. Documents appropriately.
• Participates in admission, transfer and discharge process under supervision of RN including room set up, orientation to room, removing linen, and proper management of patient belongings.
• Ensures patient call light is always in reach of patient and answers call-lights promptly.
• Collects urine, stool, and sputum specimens and performs point-of-care testing as indicated using approved process for accurate specimen labeling and identification.
• Maintains competency as required.
• Completes various errands as directed including pick-up and delivery of trays, charts, specimens, and reports.
• Maintains and orders stock for nursing area.
• Cleans equipment and work areas.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique and assistive devices.
• Performs tasks related to nutritional needs of patient under direction of RN to include diet review, tray set up/removal, proper positioning and diet selection.
• Performs tasks related to maintaining skin integrity to include proper repositioning and skin care.
• Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose and sequential compression devices.
• Under the direction of RN and as determined by site/unit requirements, may be required to remove IVs, provide post mortem care, and bladder scans.
• Practices within policies and procedures of infection prevention by demonstrating hand hygiene and knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with patients in isolation.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED