Patient Care Associate-ED

Montefiore Nyack Hospital•Village of Nyack, NY

2d•$24 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) performs assigned patient care tasks under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, as delegated by the RN and in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. The position carries out clinical responsibilities, documents completed tasks, and supports and upholds the Patient Bill of Rights. In certain areas, after establishing competency, a PCA III may also perform Monitor Technician duties. The PCA provides direct nursing support such as measuring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living and personal hygiene, collecting and documenting patient observations, and reporting relevant changes in condition to the RN. Duties also include supporting patients’ nutrition and mobility, obtaining specimens, performing phlebotomy, EKGs and finger-stick blood glucose tests, and maintaining a safe and clean environment. The PCA performs other delegated or specialized functions for which they are prepared and may handle patient medications solely for transport and retrieval. The role includes communicating respectfully with patients, families, visitors, and coworkers; protecting patient dignity and confidentiality; participating in quality and performance-improvement activities, competency assessments, and assigned projects; using supplies and equipment responsibly; and assisting with orientation of new PCAs. Employees are expected to follow the hospital’s service, communication, appearance, responsiveness, teamwork, and safety standards. This position is based in the Emergency Department in Nyack, New York. The listed schedule is evenings, 2:30 PM–11:00 PM, with evening days varying and weekends and holidays worked. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per pay period. The listed hourly rate/range is $24.39/$25.15; the hiring rate may be subject to change based on shift differential, experience, education, or other relevant factors.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Less than one year of previous health care experience required.
Full command of the English language.
Sufficient physical ability and perceptive acuity to perform patient-care functions.
BLS Certification from the American Heart Association required within 30 days.
For PCA I: satisfactory completion of PCA Orientation and the Skills Competency Checklist within the first three months of employment; EKG, phlebotomy, and blood glucose monitor skills.
For PCA II: satisfactory performance appraisal and one year of experience as a PCA at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.
For PCA III: meet the applicable qualification pathway. One pathway requires a national certification in phlebotomy, attendance at a preceptor training course, or completion of a dysrhythmia course; the TCU assignment pathway requires NYS CNA Certification.
For PCA IV: two years of experience as a PCA at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, an above-average performance appraisal (2.35+), and precepting at least two Patient Care Associates after attending a preceptor training course.

Nice To Haves

Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Certified Patient Care Technician, or current enrollment in a nursing program.
Demonstrated experience and competence in phlebotomy and EKG.
Monitor Technician experience, when applicable to the assignment.

Responsibilities

Perform direct patient-care tasks, including taking vital signs and assisting with activities of daily living and personal hygiene.
Collect, chart, and document observations and activities; report pertinent changes in a patient’s condition to the Registered Nurse.
Document vital signs, heights, weights, and other measurements, and assist with documenting nutritional and fluid intake and output.
Set up delivered food trays, assist with feeding as needed, and refill water and ice.
Assist patients with mobility, turning, positioning, transfers to and from wheelchairs, and ambulation.
Perform venous-puncture phlebotomy and obtain designated laboratory specimens.
Perform EKGs and report computer results to the Registered Nurse.
Perform finger-stick blood glucose testing, document results, and report them to the Registered Nurse.
Follow hospital safety, environment-of-care, risk-management, and infection-control policies, and help maintain a clean and safe environment.
Perform delegated or other specialized functions for which educationally prepared; handle patient medications only for transport and retrieval when applicable.
Protect patient dignity and confidentiality, act as a patient advocate, communicate positively with people of different cultures and beliefs, address customer concerns, and escort customers when necessary.
Participate in department- and hospital-wide process or outcome improvement activities, self-development, competency assessments, and applicable licensure or certification requirements.
Use equipment and supplies prudently and follow the charge process for supplies and equipment.
Complete assigned projects within expected timelines, participate in committees or task forces as requested, and perform other duties within the classification.
Assist with orientation of new Patient Care Associates.
Support the hospital’s mission and follow its standards for teamwork, accountability, communication, professional appearance, responsiveness, and service.
In applicable assignments, PCA III may perform Monitor Technician duties after competency is established.