Patient Care Associate (PCA)

Northwell Health•Valley Stream, NY

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 helps maintain a safe and clean environment and promotes positive customer relations. The Patient Care Associate is a key member of the nursing care team and participates in implementing patients’ plans of care. The position supports nurses and other health team members with patient care, procedures, treatments, documentation, and clerical duties. It also involves maintaining patient-care areas and equipment, preparing rooms for admissions, transporting patients, and following isolation, safety, waste-disposal, and infection-control procedures. Related duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

Successful completion of a New York State Certified Nursing Attendant program, or completion of one year of clinical coursework while actively pursuing an RN degree.
Pass the Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Patient Care Associate competency test before entering the training program.
High school diploma or equivalent.
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 at least one of the following: EKG testing or venipuncture procedure.

Responsibilities

Participate in implementing the patient’s plan of care as a member of the nursing care team.
Promote positive customer relations with patients and their families.
Make recommendations to improve patient care and promote and maintain a safe, cost-effective health-care environment.
Assist the nurse in meeting patients’ activities of daily living needs.
Communicate and document patient status and other pertinent data.
Assist nurses and other health team members with procedures, examinations, tests, treatments, and clerical duties as required by the unit.
Maintain patient and non-patient care units in a neat and orderly condition.
Strip patient units after discharge and prepare rooms for new admissions.
Maintain necessary stock on procedure and supply carts; ensure equipment is clean and stored appropriately.
Transport or accompany patients to other departments as directed.
Perform 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 that support 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 needed to perform required duties.
Perform related duties as required.