Assoc-Patient Care

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System•Spartanburg, SC

106d

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. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the PCA provides focused, non-licensed clinical care to patients across the age continuum, including phlebotomy and basic nursing skills, and provides 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. The role also collaborates with leadership in developing and implementing Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s mission and goals. The PCA supports patients with activities of daily living, personal care, meals, mobility, routine measurements, specimens, and other directed procedures. The position includes clerical and unit upkeep duties, communication with patients, families, visitors, and clinical staff, and participation in education and quality improvement activities.

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 certification.
BLS certification.

Responsibilities

Perform patient-related clerical activities, unit clerical duties, computerized order entry, and other unit activities as applicable.
Assist patients with activities of daily living safely, courteously, and in a timely manner.
Provide personal hygiene and related care while respecting patients’ privacy, dignity, and needs, including bathing, incontinent care, mouth care, nail care, hair care, denture care, and back rubs.
Prepare patients for meals and sleep, deliver and collect meal trays, assist with feedings, and provide fresh water and nourishment.
Keep call lights within reach, maintain side rails and bed positioning 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, changes in status, and actual or potential needs of patients, families, and visitors to the Registered Nurse in a timely manner.
Provide care appropriate to patients’ age-specific needs by applying knowledge of growth and development principles.
Participate in hourly rounds and bedside shift reports.
Respond appropriately to Code Alerts and facility alerts.
Maintain unit supplies and keep refrigerators and clean and dirty utility rooms organized; ensure refrigerator contents are within their current dates of use.
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 and ostomy bags and oral/NG suction catheters, and report and record findings for the nurse.
Collect and record routine non-sterile urine, feces, and sputum specimens as directed.
Perform peri-care and Foley catheter care as directed.
Perform turning, positioning, coughing, and deep-breathing assistance as directed.
With proven competency, perform specialty-area functions such as enemas, placement of monitoring leads, and documentation.
Identify areas for improvement and work on self-defined weaknesses; remain committed to unit, department, and division goals.
Attend continuing education classes offered by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
Report risk-management concerns to the appropriate person and adhere to the proper chain of command.
Perform other activities and duties as assigned.