Patient Care Associate

Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America Job Description Position Summary Under the direction of a registered/licensed nurse (RN), the Patient Care Associate (PCA), as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team, assists in clinical support functions to promote a safe, compassionate patient care environment. Responsibilities Assists with meeting direct patient care needs Consistently foster a healing environment with respect and kindness, demonstratin g respect for all individuals with sensitivity to cultural diversity. Contributes to the plan of care through ongoing communication with the RN Assists with patient data and specimen collection Assists with equipment preparation and set up Completes hourly patient care rounds, anticipating patient needs proactively Maintains patient and family privacy and confidentiality Responds to patient and family requests, including answering patient call lights promptly Seeks registered nurse assistance to meet patient/family needs when necessary. Communicates respectfully with all members of the interdisciplinary team Monitors patient and environment for safety concerns and immediately reports changes to RN/licensed nurse Maintains a safe and clean patient care environment Follows Infection Prevention Practices: Demonstrate proper hand washing 100% of the time. Utilizes two patient identifiers for appropriate patient identification before all specimen collections Follows Safe Patient Handling principles to maintain safety for both patients and staff Documents aspects of care on approved forms or electronic medical record Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary team to meet patient/family and unit/department needs Proactively assists others Performs delegated responsibilities and demonstrates a willingness to adapt to changing unit demands Provides care appropriate to the age group of patients on assigned unit(s) as described in the relevant unit profiles Completes annual required training Updates knowledge through periodic in-services Other duties as assigned Assists with activities of daily living (i.e., personal hygiene/grooming, bathing/showering, toileting, dressing, and functionality/mobility) Sets up food trays and assists patients with meals as indicated Performs preventative skincare Assists patients with positioning, turning, mobilization, ambulation, and passive and active range of motion per plan of care Adheres to standard precautions Adheres to hand hygiene guidelines Assists with the admission/discharge process Orients patients and families/visitors to surroundings Ensures safekeeping of patient valuables, including packing and storing Checks patients for ID bands and notifies nurse if replacement is needed Patient Data and Specimen Collection: Utilizes two (2) patient identifiers for proper patient identification before all specimen collections Obtains and records vital signs, pulse oximetry, and non-invasive B/P and immediately report changes to RN/licensed nurse. Performs blood glucose testing Equipment : Retrieves equipment from other areas Follows equipment management protocols on the assigned unit for patient benefit: Pulse oximeter and probe Suction canister-liner system Scales: Standing/Chair/Wheelchair Provides a Safe and Comfortable Patient/Family experience Adheres to service excellence standards during care provision with the respectful, courteous, culturally sensitive care Responds to call lights promptly and prioritizes call light response appropriately Participates in hourly rounding per unit protocol Provides constant observation for patients at risk for injury in person or virtually Uses principles of Safe Patient Handling Documentation on Approved Forms and in Medical Records: Records intake of fluids and food Records height and weight Records output of urine, stool, vomitus, and drain output Records vital signs, pulse oximetry, and non-invasive BPs Records blood glucose results Qualifications: Years of Experience: Six months experience as a Nursing Assistant or a Nursing Student currently enrolled in a formal program who has completed at least one clinical rotation or is presently enrolled in, and completes, the NWH Patient Care Associate Training Program Education: High school graduate or equivalent Certification as a Nursing Assistant preferred Language Skills: Proficient in English, both verbally and written Requirements: Successful completion of the literacy exam with a score of 80% or better (PCA Training Program candidates only) CPR training required Knowledge of the English language sufficient to read, speak, and write accurately Knowledge of simple arithmetic Ability to lift and transport patients safely using the appropriate physical technique for the patient and self, according to Safe Patient Handling Guidelines. Ability to master basic computer skills Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, visitors, and hospital personnel Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America #J-18808-Ljbffr