Patient Care Associate (PCA) - Med Surg 4W - Lorain Hospital

Mercy Health BSMH • Lorain, OH

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Associate provides direct patient care under the guidance of a Registered Nurse or designated healthcare professional, following applicable regulations and organizational policies and procedures. The role supports patient comfort, safety, independence, and overall care on a medical-surgical unit.

The associate contributes to a positive experience for patients, families, visitors, and employees through professional communication, accurate documentation, timely reporting of concerns, and participation in handoffs. The role is full-time, with 36 scheduled weekly hours, working 7 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and every other weekend and holiday.

Requirements

• Complete one of the following: a nursing aide training program; STNA state testing when required for Ohio long-term care; CNA certification; nurse’s aide state testing; a nursing program that included one clinical nursing course and one clinical rotation; one year of relevant clinical-setting experience; or a PCA/PCT training program within six months of hire.
• BLS Basic Life Support certification is preferred upon hire or must be obtained from an approved source before providing direct patient care.
• Clearly communicate with other members of the healthcare team and understand and follow their directions.
• Understand patient and healthcare safety standards and regulations, including fall prevention, skin breakdown, suicide prevention, and environment-of-care practices.
• Understand infection prevention and transmission-based precautions.
• Understand clerical duties and office-based technology.
• Demonstrate knowledge of team dynamics, patient data collection and documentation, basic hygiene and activities of daily living, feeding and nutrition, bowel and bladder elimination, ambulation and mobility, and clinical technology.
• Use a compassionate, relationship-based approach to care.
• Be accountable for completing assigned tasks and escalating concerns through the chain of command.
• Demonstrate problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills; engage professionally with staff and patients; and act proactively in a rapidly changing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Recent experience in acute care, a physician’s office, home health or hospice, or a long-term care facility; experience in the setting for which the applicant is applying is preferred.
• EPIC Electronic Health Record experience is preferred.
• BLS Basic Life Support certification is preferred upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic patient care, including comfort, recording vital signs, personal care and hygiene, and assistance with mobility and unit-based specialty duties.
• Act as a liaison between patients and nurses by reporting changes or concerns to the nurse.
• Provide high-level customer service to patients, families, visitors, and employees.
• Complete accurate, precise, and timely patient-care documentation when applicable.
• Participate in handoffs and report pertinent patient and departmental information when arriving and leaving.
• Perform delegated tasks after competency has been validated.
• Mobilize patients using therapeutic transfer techniques that promote independence and safety.
• Encourage patients to complete tasks as independently as possible.
• Individualize care based on patients’ interests and hobbies.
• Use professional verbal and written communication.
• Perform other job-related duties as required by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and a 403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources; and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support. Benefits may vary based on market and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed