Patient Care Assistant

Patient Care Assistant- PCA 

MAIN FUNCTION:        

Assists nurses in meeting patient needs as directed by RN/LPN. Communicates effectively with patients, support person(s) and other members of the health care team.

Follows WCH Nursing Philosophy and practice model which are derived from the Synergy model and appropriate Service Standards as outlined in Employee Handbook.  

RESPONSIBLE TO: Department Director, Department Clinical Manager, Charge Nurses, RN, LPN

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or GED  
• Must successfully complete WCH PCA training upon hire. 
  1. If working in ED, must be an EMT or have State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) Certification upon hire
  2. If working on the Transitional Care Unit, must have STNA Certification
• No written disciplinary action in the last 12 months
• Maintain a current AHA (American Heart Association) Healthcare Provider BLS card while in this position.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Personal computer experience and keyboarding skills
• Medical terminology course or demonstrated knowledge
• Successful completion of 1^st semester / quarter of clinical experience in LPN or RN program or have STNA Certification 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be:

1. Exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and are required to wear personal protective equipment
2. Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete nursing care tasks
3. Required to take "on call" status
4. Reassigned to another unit to perform duties within current job description
5. Subject to STHR (short term hour reduction) according to policy

 DUTIES:

1. Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner.  Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills.

1. Safely transports patients via wheelchair, beds, and/or carts throughout facility
2. Round on patients to identify and meet patient needs and safety issues
3. Participates in huddles/team collaboration
4. Maintain fall prevention strategies
5. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment
6. Under the direction of licensed nursing staff:

• Provide appropriate hygiene care for patients  
• Provide comfort measures 
• Follow infection control guidelines and safety precautions
• Assist patients with nutrition, elimination and activity/mobility 
• Specimen collection and transport using appropriate technique
• Completes surgical / procedure prep (if applicable)

1. Accurately document care provided in a timely manner
2. Demonstrate reasonable and rational judgment in decision making
3. Assist with flow of unit:

• Obtains  & returns supplies and equipment as directed
• Operates and cleans equipment safely and appropriately.   Initiates work orders/ reports to appropriate person
• Cleans and maintains nursing station, report and break rooms, kitchen areas and others as assigned
• Assists with admissions, discharges and transfers

1. Other duties as assigned by management team