PAT CARE AST

Please note: this is a temporary opportunity for approximately three months. Fully on site at Stanyan Hospital. Will include optional medical benefits, holiday pay and sick leave accrual.

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) receives daily assignments and functions under the supervision of the Registered Nurse to carry out direct patient care responsibilities.

All patient care team members act to meet patient needs and learn new skills to achieve quality patient care and customer service. Team members promote a cooperative working relationship with each other, other staff, and the public by facilitating and enhancing communication, displaying honesty and respect, demonstrating sensitivity to age-specific needs and cultural differences, and expressing and accepting feedback in a professional manner.

General Patient Care

• Provides or assists patients with personal hygiene, including bathing (tub, bed, shower), mouth care, elimination needs, and changing bed linens
• Responds to patients' call lights promptly
• Provides for patient comfort and safety, including ambulating, positioning, range of motion exercises, and use of side rails, special beds, and restraints
• Turns, moves, and transfers patients and/or equipment using proper body mechanics
• Assists patients with food needs, including collecting menus, setting up meal trays, cutting food, and feeding
• Records nutritional intake as required
• Assists with admission, discharge, transfer, and transport of patients, belongings, and equipment
• Orients new patients to the room/unit
• Organizes and prioritizes patient care tasks based on patient needs and unit activities
• Assists with post-mortem care as assigned
• Performs sitter/close observation responsibilities as assigned
• Recognizes situations requiring supervision and seeks appropriate guidance
• Communicates patient information, observations, and care provided through verbal and written reports
• Documents procedures and care accurately and appropriately

Technical Duties

• Reports and records delegated patient data (e.g., vital signs, pain score, oxygen saturation, height, weight, intake and output)
• Performs selected patient care procedures such as basic skin care, hot and cold compresses, and incentive spirometry as assigned
• Carries out duties of first responder in emergency situations
• Sets up and maintains oxygen therapy equipment
• Labels specimens accurately and ensures timely delivery to the laboratory
• Performs EKGs and related documentation as required
• Maintains EKG machines
• Operates nursing unit equipment (e.g., computer, fax machine, intercom system)
• Completes unit maintenance activities, including stocking supplies and cleaning equipment

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Follows all unit, department, and Medical Center policies, procedures, and work rules
• Maintains confidentiality related to patients and staff
• Adheres to established communication standards
• Complies with infection control, health, and safety policies and procedures
• Completes required safety training
• Supports the mission, philosophy, and goals of the Medical Center
• Participates in unit goals, staff meetings, in-services, and educational programs
• Contributes to quality assurance and improvement processes
• Maintains a clean, safe, and functional work environment
• Adheres to work schedules and attendance guidelines
• Complies with dress code and identification requirements
• Assists team members as needed
• Uses appropriate chain of command for problem-solving and communication
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience working in a surgical, operating room, perioperative, or acute care hospital environment.
• Previous experience performing hospital room turnover, EVS, surgical suite cleaning, or related environmental services duties.
• Demonstrated knowledge of infection prevention and cleaning protocols in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to work independently with minimal training and orientation.
• Experience supporting surgical services and/or operating room workflows strongly preferred.
• Successful completion of Medical Center Patient Care Assistant training.
• Basic computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the responsibilities of the job is preferred

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience working in a surgical, operating room, perioperative, or acute care hospital environment.
• Previous experience performing hospital room turnover, EVS, surgical suite cleaning, or related environmental services duties.
• Demonstrated knowledge of infection prevention and cleaning protocols in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to work independently with minimal training and orientation.
• Experience supporting surgical services and/or operating room workflows strongly preferred.
• Successful completion of Medical Center Patient Care Assistant training.
• Basic computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the responsibilities of the job is preferred