Job Abstract

The Health Care Associate(HCA) /Patient Care Associate (PCA) works with his/her team partner(s), the Registered Nurse and the Unit Secretary, to provide direct patient care.  As a member of the Patient Care Team, the HCA/PCA is cross-trained to perform a wide range of essential patient services.

The HCA/PCA performs a variety of basic age-specific duties to assist in the care of the patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN).  All clinical care will be done under the direction of the RN who has determined appropriate tasks for delegation.  The HCA/PCA makes observations as directed by the RN and reports deviations to the RN.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma/GED preferred
• State-tested Nurse Assistant or completion of HCA training related to acute care setting, or a Nursing Student who has completed first semester of an acute care hospital-based clinical experience. 
• BLS certified by American Heart Association

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in providing direct patient care.
• Computer literacy.
• Previous experience working in specialty area.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Follows detailed written and oral instructions.
• Completes specific, routine tasks.
• Requires basic reading, writing or simple arithmetic skills.
• May operate basic equipment/machinery.
• Basic computer skills required

PRINCIPAL JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Performs general patient care including, but not limited to:  bathing, mouth care, changing linens, dressing patient, back rubs, elimination, hygiene and other needs as expressed.
• Observes patient’s responses and reports any adverse reaction or other pertinent information to Registered Nurse and Physician.
• Demonstrates competency in providing age appropriate care to defined patient populations based on unit/area’s scope of service.
• Obtains and records vital signs, height and weight.
• Lifts, ambulates and transports patient.  Seeks assistance as needed.
• Positions patient and performs range of motion.  Assists physical therapist as needed.
• Anticipates patient’s needs and responds in a timely manner to patient and other caregiver requests.
• Provides friendly assistance to patient’s family members and visitors strong emphasis on customer service.
• Performs venipunctures for blood collection.
• Collects specimens (i.e. urine, sputum) and ensures timely transport of specimens to the lab.
• Performs designated bedside lab tests.
• Applies oxygen therapy.
• Performs electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Performs wound care as directed by the RN.
• Performs urinary catheterizations and enemas. 
• Observes universal precautions and aseptic techniques.
• Performs computer order/entry functions as required by care center.
• Accurately charts patient information following the guidelines for charting by standards.
• Delivers menus.  Prepares patient for meals, distributes food trays, feeds patient and removes trays.  Distributes drinking water.
• Answers phones courteously and quickly addresses the caller’s needs.
• Initiates emergency procedures when necessary.
• Works overtime as needed.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.

Job Accountabilities – other

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Acts as a liaison and supports person for family members.
• Assists with patient education and discharge planning under supervision of RN.
• Inventories unit and determines supply needs.  Conveys needs to appropriate personnel.
• Assists in daily cleaning of patient rooms and care center.  Helps prepare room(s) for incoming patients.
• Assesses maintenance needs.

a. Initiates maintenance requisition to repair equipment, furniture and building fixtures.

b. Performs simple maintenance (light bulbs, batteries).