Patient Care Associate
About The Position
The Patient Care Associate (PCA) performs assigned patient care tasks under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, following RN delegation and hospital policies and procedures. The role includes clinical responsibilities, documentation of completed tasks, and supporting and upholding the Patient Bill of Rights. In applicable assignments, after establishing competence, a PCA III may also perform Monitor Technician duties. The PCA provides direct nursing support, including vital signs, activities of daily living, personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility, specimen collection, phlebotomy, EKGs, and finger-stick blood glucose testing. The associate documents observations and measurements and reports relevant changes and test results to the RN. The role also supports a clean and safe environment, patient dignity and confidentiality, positive customer service, hospital standards, and department improvement activities. Additional duties may include assisting with new PCA orientation and completing other assignments within the classification.
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 within 30 days required.
- PCA I: Complete PCA Orientation and the Skills Competency Checklist satisfactorily within the first three months of employment; EKG, phlebotomy, and blood glucose monitor skills are specified.
- PCA II: Satisfactory performance appraisal and one year of experience as a PCA at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.
- PCA III: In addition to the preceding requirements, meet one of the listed pathways: national certification in phlebotomy, attendance at a Preceptor training course, or completion of a Dysrhythmia Course; alternatively, a PCA assigned to TCU must have NYS CNA Certification.
- PCA IV: In addition to the preceding requirements, 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 area of assignment.
Responsibilities
- Perform direct patient-care tasks, including taking vital signs and assisting with activities of daily living and personal hygiene.
- Collect and document patient observations and activities, measurements, nutritional intake, and fluid intake and output; report pertinent changes in condition to the Registered Nurse.
- Set up food trays, assist with feeding when necessary, and refill water and ice.
- Assist patients with mobility, turning, positioning, transfers, and ambulation.
- Perform venous-puncture phlebotomy and obtain designated laboratory specimens.
- Perform EKGs and report computer results to the RN.
- Perform finger-stick blood glucose testing, document results, and report them to the RN.
- Follow hospital safety, environment-of-care, risk-management, and infection-control policies; 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 purposes.
- Protect patient dignity and confidentiality, advocate for patients, communicate positively, address customer concerns, and escort customers when necessary.
- Participate in department and hospital process-improvement activities, self-development, and annual competency assessment; comply with applicable certification requirements.
- Use equipment and supplies prudently and follow the charge process for supplies and equipment.
- Complete projects and assignments within expected time frames, participate in committees or task forces when requested, and perform other duties within the classification.
- Assist with orientation of new PCAs.
- Participate in activities that support the hospital mission and adhere to Montefiore Nyack Hospital's teamwork, empowerment, communication, appearance, responsiveness, and service standards.
- In applicable assignments, perform Monitor Technician duties after competence is established.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
