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Form of workOverview:
The Patient Care Associate provides direct Patient Care under the direction of the RN professional to all assigned patients and maintains a safe patient area. This role also supplies clerical support for this patient population. He/She assumes responsibility and accountability for Patient Care as a team member in order to achieve established outcomes. Responsibilities:
Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.
The Patient Care Associate provides direct Patient Care under the direction of the RN professional to all assigned patients and maintains a safe patient area. This role also supplies clerical support for this patient population. He/She assumes responsibility and accountability for Patient Care as a team member in order to achieve established outcomes.
A day in the life of a Patient Care Associate at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:
- Provides hygiene and comfort care to patients including bathing, toileting/diapering, feeding and bed making.
- Takes vital signs under the direction of the RN and documents electronically according to Medical Center policy, reporting results to RN.
- Performs and documents glucose finger stick/heel stick and collects other specimens including stool, urine and sputum when directed by the RN.4. Observes and documents patients intake and output.
- Maintains BLS certification and initiates interventions in emergent situations.
- Assists with patient transport to and from the unit/department
- Provides a safe patient environment by answering all call lights promptly, communicating with the RN immediately for any changes in patient condition.
- Acts in the patient sitter role when needed.
- Monitors inventory, orders supplies and equipment and procures all items as needed using established channels.
- Performs A/D/T functions and patient charge entries.
- Initiates, and maintains patients medical record in accordance with established policies.
- Identifies the needs of the patient population served and with the professional nurse modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e.: age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired).
- Communicates with patients and primary caregivers at their level of understanding14. Adheres to the standards in the Medical Centers Organizational Competencies and Code of Conduct.
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
- Completion of one of the following: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA, or Medical Assistant (CMA), or Patient Care Technician program (PCT), or Fundamentals of Nursing program from an accredited school of nursing, or HMH PCT Apprenticeship Program, or have equivalent patient-facing healthcare experience.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- 1. AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP
