Patient Care Associate (PCA) - Telemetry

This position may qualify for a sign-on bonus. 

Position Summary

Under the direction/supervision of an RN, provides basic nursing care for assigned group of patients

General Nursing Units cares for patients from age 15 years to maturity by clinically competent nursing staff.

Special Care Areas cares for patients from age 15 years through adult with high risk conditions by clinically competent nursing staff.

Maternal Child Units: Labor and Delivery care includes patients who have a pregnancy related condition by staff who are clinically competent in maternity care. 

                                 Nursery care includes care for newborn until discharge status by clinically competent staff. 

                                 Pediatric clinically competent staff provides care to patients from neonate through age of eighteen.

GI Lab Unit cares for toddlers, beginning age 24 months, through adult by clinically competent staff.

Chemical Dependent Unit and Psychiatric Unit cares for adult patients and family with holistic approach to emotional problems by clinically competent nursing staff.

Emergency Unit provides care to presenting patients of all ages by clinically competent staff in pediatric and high- risk adult care.

Surgical Services provides care to patients from neonate to geriatric.

 

Completes established competencies for the position within designated introductory period. Other related duties as assigned.

 Performs assigned basic patient care duties
100%
Job Description
Page 2 of 4 BHS 230, A8001
 Protects patient confidentiality and privacy
 Makes rounds with oncoming shift
 Exhibits compassionate care and service excellence
 Prioritizes patient care based on tests/surgery schedule and unit needs
 Reports any changes in patient’s condition to the patient’s nurse or charge nurse
 Takes patients’ vital signs including asking pain score
 Applies pulse oximeter probe and records readings.
 Monitors Intake and Output (I&O), including percentage of meal consumed
 Prepares patients for meals and assists with feeding as needed. 
 Performs/assists with baths
 Cleanses simple wounds, applies skin barriers, and applies wound dressing under the direction of 
the RN
 Performs site care to established PEG sites
 Empties colostomy or ileostomy bags
 Sets up / utilizes orthopedic appliances to include but not limited to braces, CPM machine, 
crutches, walkers, and traction devices as appropriate for area
 Escorts, transports, transfers and ambulates patients applying appropriate transfer techniques 
 Measures and applies TED hose and SCD stockings
 Sets up wall suction
 Performs oral suctioning with a tonsil-tip suction device
 Collects urine (clean catch), and stool specimens
 Collects sputum sample (not by suction) 
 Performs blood glucose or other point of care testing
 Attends to comfort of patients
 Performs functions that may be delegated by the licensed professional nurse (when appropriate)
 Assists other nursing personnel in patient care
 Maintains related records
 Assists with patient admissions, discharges and transfers
 Maintains patient care areas according to unit standards including reorder and restocking of 
supplies as needed
 Fills ice pitchers
 Changes linen and keeps beds neat and clean
 Cleans rolling stock such as blood pressure machines, IV poles and carts
 Monitors and replaces designated contaminated boxes
 Completes errands as directed
 Serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff
 Performs electrocardiograms (advanced competency per discretion of the director)
 Performs venipuncture and capillary puncture (advanced competency per discretion of the director)
 Utilizes resources efficiently and effectively
 Maintains safe environment
 Addresses patient population-specific needs
 Participates in Performance Improvement activities
 

MINIMUM EDUCATION: High School Graduate or equivalent

PREFERRED EDUCATION: Satisfactorily completed a Nurse Assistant, EMT, Paramedic or Medical Assisting course.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 6 months in healthcare industry and/or knowledge of basic medical terms and procedures

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE:

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE:

REQUIRED COURSES/ COMPLETIONS (e.g., CPR):

• Must have active healthcare provider Basic Life Support on hire (ARC or AHA); however, mu