Under the direction of a registered/licensed nurse (RN), the Patient Care Associate (PCA) as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team assists in clinical support functions to promote a safe, compassionate patient care environment.
Essential Functions
Assists with meeting direct patient care needs
Consistently fosters a healing environment with respect and kindness demonstrating respect for all individuals with sensitivity to cultural diversity
Contributes to the plan of care through ongoing communication with the RN
Assists with patient data and specimen collection
Assists with equipment preparation and set up
Supports a Culture of Safety by providing a safe and comfortable patient/family experience where risks are reduced and/or eliminated, by performing the following:
Completes hourly patient care rounds, anticipating patient needs proactively
Maintains patient and family privacy and confidentiality
Responds to patient and family requests, including answering patient call lights in a timely manner
Seeks registered nurse assistance to meet patient/family needs when necessary.
Communicates in a respectful manner with all members of the interdisciplinary team
Monitors patient and environment for safety concerns and immediately reports changes to RN/licensed nurse
Maintains a safe and clean patient care environment
Follows Infection Prevention Practices:
Proper hand washing demonstrated 100% of the time.
Utilizes two patient identifiers for proper patient identification prior to all specimen collections
Follows Safe Patient Handling principles to maintain safety for both patients and staff
Documents aspects of care on approved forms or electronic medical record
Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary team to meet patient/family and unit/department needs
Proactively provides assistance to others
Performs delegated responsibilities and demonstrates willingness to adapt to changing unit demands
Provides care appropriate to age group of patients on assigned unit(s) as described in the relevant unit profiles
In collaboration with the Nursing Manager/Director and Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nursing Practice Specialist/Nursing Professional Development Specialist, identifies and meets learning needs, including:
Completes annual required training
Updates knowledge through periodic in-services
Other duties as assigned
Direct Patient Care:
Assists with activities of daily living (i.e. personal hygiene/grooming, bathing/showering, toileting, dressing, and functionality/mobility)
Sets up food trays and assist patients with meals as indicated
Performs preventative skin care
Assists patients with positioning, turning, mobilization, ambulation, passive and active range of motion per plan of care
Orients patients and families/visitors to surroundings
Ensures safekeeping of patient valuables including packing and storing
Checks patients for ID bands, and notifies nurse if replacement is needed
Patient Data and Specimen Collection:
Utilizes 2 patient identifiers for proper patient identification prior to all specimen collections
Obtains and records vital signs, pulse oximetry and non-invasive B/P and immediately reports changes to RN/licensed nurse
Performs blood glucose testing
Equipment:
Retrieves equipment from other areas
Cleans equipment between patient use
Follows equipment management protocols on assigned unit for patient use:
Cardiac monitors
Portable oxygen cylinder
Nasal cannula/face mask
Pulse oximeter and probe
Suction canister-liner system
Patient lifting equipment
Scales: Standing/Chair/Wheelchair
Provides a Safe and Comfortable Patient/Family experience
Adheres to service excellence standards during care provision with respectful, courteous, culturally sensitive care
Responds to call lights in a timely manner and prioritizes call light response appropriately
Participates in hourly rounding per unit protocol
Provides constant observation for patients at risk for injury in person or virtually
Reapplies soft restraints/roll belt per unit protocol
Uses principles of Safe Patient Handling
Documentation on Approved Forms and in Medical Record:
Records intake of fluids and food
Records height and weight
Records output of urine, stool, vomitus, and drain output
Records vital signs, pulse oximetry and noninvasive BPs
Records blood glucose results
Qualifications
Job Knowledge and Skills:
Successful completion of the literacy exam with a score of 80% or better (PCA Training Program candidates only)
CPR training required
Knowledge of English language sufficient to read, speak, and write accurately
Knowledge of simple arithmetic
Ability to lift and transport patients using the appropriate physical technique in a safe manner for the patient and self, according to Safe Patient Handling Guidelines
Ability to master basic computer skills
Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, visitors and hospital personnel
Education:
High school graduate or equivalent
Experience:
Six months experience as a Nursing Assistant or is a Nursing Student currently enrolled in a formal program who has successfully completed at least one clinical rotation or is currently enrolled in, and successfully completes, the NWH Patient Care Associate Training Program
Newton-Wellesley Hospital will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran or active military status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.
