Patient Care Associate: SICU/Neuro ICU- 24hr -NIGHTS

Albany Medical Center•Albany, NY

1d•$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 the assigned work period, the PCA collects patient data, provides personal care, performs point-of-care testing such as whole blood glucose, turns, positions, and mobilizes patients, and assists with assigned patients’ needs with a focus on progress toward discharge, including transitions within the acute care stay. The PCA is trained to perform technical procedures such as blood draws and electrocardiography. The role also supports the availability of patient-care resources in collaboration with Materiel’s Coordinators, including the use, stocking, and storage of supplies. The PCA helps maintain a clean, orderly, and safe care environment and may be asked to serve as an activity companion for patients requiring 1:1 observation. The role includes collecting and documenting patient information, reporting abnormal findings to the RN and care team, participating in care planning and nursing reports, and supporting patients’ and families’ participation in care decisions. PCAs use standardized approaches to keep patients and families informed, provide personal care and assistance with daily activities, use safe patient-handling practices, follow infection-control precautions, and report patient progress toward goals and outcomes to the RN. Weekend and holiday commitments apply according to staffing guidelines.

Responsibilities

Collect pertinent patient data, including vital signs, height and weight, and food and fluid intake and output.
Report abnormal findings to the RN and patient care team.
Participate in care planning and the nursing report process.
Incorporate patient and family rights to participate in care decisions.
Use standardized techniques to keep patients and families informed.
Provide personal care, including bathing, oral care, and skin care.
Assist patients with eating, hydration, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
Use safe patient-handling techniques for ambulation, range of motion, and use of assistive and prosthetic devices.
Help maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment of care.
Demonstrate standard and transmission-based precautions and infection-control techniques.
Provide the RN with details about patient progress toward goals and outcomes.
Document all care in the patient record.
Perform point-of-care testing, such as whole blood glucose testing.
Turn, position, and/or mobilize patients.
Assist with patient needs, including progress toward discharge and transitions within the acute care stay.
Collaborate with Materiel’s Coordinators on the use, stocking, and storage of supplies.
Provide activity companion services for patients requiring 1:1 observation when requested.
Meet weekend and holiday commitments according to staffing guidelines.