Patient Care Assistant (Pca)

Job Summary:
Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) assists with the needs of the unit, patient and family. The PCA role supports, supplements and/or compliments Patient Care provided by licensed nursing staff in acute care units by maintaining supplies, equipment and unit environment, performing clerical functions and assisting RNs in specific direct Patient Care tasks.

Essential Functions:

1. Customer Service
a. Utilizes innovative approaches to improve service delivery.
b. Maintains a culture that improves teamwork and values diversity.
c. Accepts personal responsibility and accountability for customer service excellence.
d. Creates an environment in which customers feel respected and diversity is valued.
e. Communicates and listens effectively.
f. Exhibits a flexible and proactive approach to changes in the workplace.
g. Demonstrates an understanding of the organization's values and mission statement.
h. Acknowledges the presence of customers and responds appropriately to their needs.
i. Properly applies technical knowledge and skills.
j. Takes initiative to 'go the extra mile' to meet customers' needs.
k. Demonstrates reliability and professionalism.
l. Promptly solves problems and resolves complaints.

2. Clinical Care
a. Implements a plan of care as directed by a Registered Nurse (RN)
b. Performs personal and elimination care activities, comfort and safety measures, feeding and procedural activities as directed by the RN, in a timely manner.
c. Collects data on assigned patients as directed by the Registered Nurse.
d. Demonstrates competency in selected psychomotor skills.
e. Performs accurate documentation duties in patient records as directed by the Structure Standards and Guidelines.
f. Demonstrates awareness of and sensitivity to patient/family rights as identified by the hospital and patient Bill of Rights.
g. Functions with an awareness and application of safety issues as identified by the hospital/Department of Nursing Structure Standards.
h. Demonstrates an understanding of emergency responses and how to effectively intervene and respond appropriately.
i. Demonstrates knowledge of Growth and Development, Structure Standards, Procedures and Guidelines, and Patient Care resources/references.
j. Demonstrates an awareness of legal issues and risk management in all aspects of Patient Care/unit function and utilizes appropriate resources to manage/minimize risk..

3. Professional Growth/Development
a. Assumes responsibility for growth and development by participating in inservice programs and continuing education.
b. Seeks guidance and validation of knowledge base, skill level and decision making as necessary, especially in areas of question, from assigned Registered Nurse.
b. Demonstrates an awareness of and assumes self-responsibility for practice. Participates in peer review.

4. Maintains Supplies
a. Maintains supplies and materials necessary for patient and staff environment that is conducive to safe and efficient delivery for Patient Care. Ensures work environment is clean.

5. Goals and Objectives
a. Participates in development and attainment of self, unit and nursing department objectives/goals.
b. Participates in unit and nursing department Standards Development and Quality Improvement activities.

6. Constructive/Positive Atmosphere
a. Promotes a constructive/positive atmosphere within the work areas by demonstrating the ability to cooperate with and assist fellow health team members as well as patients and their families.
b. Demonstrates appropriate acceptance of delegated tasks and duties of health care team members.
c. Uses appropriate organizational skills in performing Patient Care and unit activities.
d. Communicates all pertinent information, including findings, data, problems, concerns or ideas to assigned RN, utilizing appropriate lines of authority in a timely and effective manner. Demonstrates effective communication skills/methods.
e. Remains flexible in staffing patterns and resolution of staffing conflict. Participates in temporary assignment measures for provision of care in all departments of nursing.
f. Demonstrates effective problem-solving through active problem identification and, in collaboration with the RN, implement strategies of resolution..

7. Other Related Duties
a. Performs other related duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities:
Medical terminology.
Computer skills.
Strong verbal communication skills.
Must be able to work as part of a team or independently.
Ability to problem solve and prioritize demands preferred.
Bi-lingual in Spanish or Southeast Asian languages preferred.

Education:
High school diploma or successful completion of GED.

Required Licenses & Certifications:
Medical Assistant Certification, Certified Nursing Assistant Certification and/or post high school vocational/ specialized medical training certificate or completion of one year nursing school.
Current American Health Association BLS-C.

Experience:
One year of hospital-related Patient Care experience. Medical Assistant Certification, Certified Nursing Assistant Certification and/or post high school vocational/ specialized medical training certificate or completion of one year nursing school.
Current American Health Association BLS-C.