Patient Care Assistant- Renal Unit 4 South

Overview

Our Renal Unit is a 36-bed unit that cares for our patients with kidney-related condiions such as acute or chronic kidney disease that sometimes requires renal replacmenet therapy. This unit values robust collaboration with community nephrologists, family practice providers, and hospitalists to offer the best care possible for our renal patients. This team is dedicated to supporting patients in every step of their journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Patient care assistants are an essential part of the patient care team providing daily care and emotional support to patients when they need it most. By observing patients carefully, they are the eyes and ears of our clinical staff, making sure our healthcare team has everything they need to assist with the healing journey of our patients and their families.

Responsibilities

Provides all personal care services in accordance with the plan of treatment assigned by the registered nurse to include but not limited to:

measure and record intake and output

measure and record vital signs, 02 Saturation, weight and height

positioning patients; lifting and turning patients

applying/utilizing special equipment

assisting in use of bedpan, urinal or commode

ambulating the patient

pre-operative and post-operative care

application/removal of anti-embolism stocking and SCD devices

removal of foley catheters

perineal care; vaginal irrigations (non-sterile) and sitz baths

non-medicated enemas

application of heat and cold

care of the incontinent patient

skin care to the immobilized patient

removal of saline lock

emptying of colostomy bags

application of appliances for heat and cold

performing blood sugars

placing patients on cardiac monitors

set up of oxygen equipment

feeding patients

collecting, labeling, and transporting of lab specimens.

Accurately documents care provided according to policies and procedures.

Applies safety principles when performing care such as ambulation of patients, transferring patients, assisting with normal range of motion and positioning.

 Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment and nursing units are maintained in a clean, safe manner.

Consistently performs basic care requirements such as rounding, use of AIDET, applying the “4 Ps” (Pain,            Position, Potty, Proximity of items); prompt response to patient needs; performance of hand hygiene; use of two       patient identifiers, etc.

Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

• Approved previous experience in giving patient care or completion of in-service education classes
• High school education or equivalent
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.
• BLS required or achieved within first 90 days of employment.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical:  Physical presence onsite is essential.  Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected within normal range.  Able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking.  Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.  Is able to push stretcher/wheelchair with average adult patient.  Is able to do frequent stooping and on occasion crouching, crawling or kneeling.  Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction.  Ability to run in emergency situations.  Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner.  Must have ability to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips. 

 

Environmental:  Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions.  Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.