Patient Care Associate - Inpatient Med/Surg

Mercy • Saint Louis, MO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an RN or LPN, the Patient Care Associate (PCA) assists with individualized patient care to support each patient's highest level of wellness. The role works collaboratively as part of a team, performs designated clinical procedures, and provides non-clinical support essential to patient care. The position is based on a 30-bed inpatient medical/surgical unit that cares for patients with varied needs, including wound care, gastrointestinal issues, transitions to and from nursing facilities, dialysis, and complex care. The unit emphasizes safety, teamwork, coworker engagement, and development.

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) designation includes all PCA responsibilities, along with additional clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, blood culture collection, enteral feedings, wound care, removal of IVs and Foley catheters, and tracheostomy care and suctioning. For candidates without prior experience, Mercy provides a 175-hour training program that meets Department of Health and Senior Services requirements and must be completed within 90 days of hire. Mercy's PCA training program is an accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship.

This position is offered part-time at 24 hours per week or full-time at 36 hours per week, with day shifts from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM or night shifts from 6:30 PM to 7:00 AM. The role is located at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, CNA/CPTC certification, or enrollment in a healthcare career program through high school.
• No prior experience required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within one month of hire.
• Complete PCA competencies within three months of hire.
• If hired without prior experience, complete Mercy's 175-hour training program within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to push, pull, and regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods during shifts.
• Ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties.

Responsibilities

• Record vital signs and enter data into the electronic medical record.
• Assist patients with daily needs, including meals, bathing, toileting, mobility, and transportation.
• Provide clerical support as needed.
• For PCT duties, perform phlebotomy and collect blood cultures.
• For PCT duties, administer enteral feedings.
• For PCT duties, provide wound care.
• For PCT duties, remove IVs and Foley catheters.
• For PCT duties, perform tracheostomy care and suctioning.
• Work cooperatively with others as part of a team and support group goals.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Tuition support
• Matched retirement plans for team members working 32 or more hours per pay period
• Sign-on bonus for eligible schedules of 24 or more hours per week: $1,000 for day shift or $3,000 for night shift, paid in three installments

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED