Patient Care Associate: Activity Companion, Per Diem

Department/Unit:

Float Pool

Work Shift:

Staffing Options Program (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$43,599.00 - $56,679.00

The Patient Care Associate (PCA): Activity Companion has the primary responsibility to assist the Registered Professional Nurse in consistently monitoring patients with a potential for self-inflicted or accidental injury, or with eating disorders to maintain safety. During the assigned work period, PCA: Activity Companion will collect patient data, complete personal care of the patient, perform point of care testing such as whole blood glucose, turn & position and/or mobilize patients, and assist with caring for the needs of assigned patients with a focus on progress toward discharge, including during transitions within the acute care stay. The PCA: Activity Companion remains within close proximity of the patient at risk for self-harm and is trained to provide support through provision of divisional activities, and maintenance of a clean and safe environment for healing. The PCA: Activity Companion will accompany the patient during transport and procedures.

Direct Patient Care and Observation

• Maintains observation of the patient at all times, in close proximity, (within 3-4 feet).
• Reports changes in patient condition and comfort level to the RN and patient care team.
• Collects pertinent data and information relative to the patient’s health or situation, including vital signs, height and weight, blood glucose, and food and fluid intake and output.
• Collects specimens such as urine, sputum, and stool, and transports as necessary.
• Reports abnormal findings to the RN and patient care team.
• Participates in care planning and the nursing report process.
• Incorporates patient/family rights to participate in decision making about their care.
• Utilizes standardized techniques for keeping patients and families informed.
• Provides personal care to patients including bathing, oral care, and skin care.
• Assists the patient with eating and hydration, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
• Incorporates safe patient handling into basic restorative care such as ambulation, range of motion, positioning, alignment, and use of assistive and prosthetic devices.
• Employs strategies to promote a clean, orderly, and safe environment.
• Demonstrates standard and transmission-based precautions and infection control techniques.
• Transports patients via stretcher, wheelchair, bed, isolette, crib, or escorts to various areas within the Hospital
• Transports equipment, supplies, patient belongings, pharmaceuticals and specimens to and from other departments, as requested.
• Assists with ordering supplies and equipment; maintains designated par levels of supplies in collaboration with Materiel Coordinators.
• Provides 1:1 patient observation as assigned.
• Provides details related to patient progress toward the achievement of goals and outcomes to the RN.
• Receives report of critical laboratory values and relays to the RN in a timely manner.
• Documents all care in the patient record.
• Engages the patient in conversation, diversional, and recreational activities to promote comfort, sleep, relaxation and/or reduce agitation.
• Assist patients with elimination needs, such as bedpans, commodes and urinals.
• Assist patients with mobility needs, such as transfers, ambulation, positioning, and alignment; performance of active/passive range of motion exercises. Uses assistive devices, such as walkers, crutches and various lifting devices when needed.
• Assist with specific safety needs in restraint, seizure and Code 10 situations.
• Documents all patient care provided on the Observation Sheet every 15 minutes and gives handoff report to the RN and the on-coming Activity Companion or PCA.

Patient Safety

• Supports a system that encourages the identification and analysis of errors and near misses in the context of a safety culture.
• Participates in departmental safety inspections to assure compliance with hospital safety standards as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. or equivalent - required
• less than 1 year experience in a health care setting or completion of certified nurse assistant course - preferred
• experience as a paramedic, emergency technician - preferred
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology (Medium proficiency)
• Honest, punctual, and performs the job in adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct as defined by Albany Medical Center and the tenets of the profession.
• Ability to communicate cooperatively and effectively with patients, family members, employees and others.

Physical Demands

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