Patient Care Associate - Surgical Stepdown

Mercy•Saint Louis, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) / Patient Care Technician (PCT) will join the Surgical Stepdown Team at Mercy Hospital South. This role assists in the individualized care of the patient to achieve their highest level of wellness, working cooperatively as part of a team. The position involves performing designated clinical procedures and non-clinical support tasks essential to patient care. The Surgical Stepdown Unit cares for patients recovering from complex surgical procedures, managing advanced monitoring needs, surgical drains, wound vacs, tracheostomies, ostomies, PCA pumps, and complex postoperative care plans. This role offers opportunities to develop expertise in postoperative assessment, early recognition of complications, pain management, mobility progression, patient education, and discharge planning.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, CNA/CPTC certification, or enrollment in a healthcare career program through high school
Basic Life Support (BLS) required within one month of hire
Completion of PCA competencies within three months of hire
Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs. regularly
Prolonged standing and walking during shifts
Ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties

Nice To Haves

Current Mercy co-workers are also eligible.

Responsibilities

Record vital signs and enter data into the electronic medical record
Assist patients with daily needs (meals, bathing, toileting, mobility, transportation)
Provide clerical support as needed
Perform phlebotomy and collect blood cultures
Administer enteral feedings
Provide wound care
Remove IVs and Foley catheters
Perform tracheostomy care and suctioning