Patient Care Associate - CHS

Patient Care Associate Under the direction of a licensed nurse or other medical staff, assists professional staff by performing venipuncture, finger‑sticks, HIV pre‑ and post‑test counseling, rapid HIV testing, responding to emergencies, facilitating telehealth encounters, and various clerical and health‑related duties associated with patient care, including ADLs where indicated. Duties are performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and may include additional tasks as required. Responsibilities Facilitate telehealth encounters as needed Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete) Assist with patients’ personal hygiene, including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc. Transfer patients in and out of bed, stretcher, and wheelchair, including physical and mechanical lifting Position patients and conduct range‑of‑motion exercises Assist with ambulating and all ADLs as directed Prepare patients for meals and assist with feeding as needed Assist with unit admission and transfer of patients Make beds and tidy patient areas for bedridden patients Take and document in the electronic medical record all vital signs (BP, TPR, weights, intake and output), perform EKGs as required, and follow procedures for abnormal findings Administer hot and cold applications under supervision Maintain intake and output tracking for oral and bodily excretions Notify MD/Nursing staff of any changes in patient status Perform urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization Chaperone staff in all clinical areas when requested Maintain competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical performance checklist for Nursing Assistant Assist with nursing follow‑ups and transmit necessary information to the laboratory electronically Anticipate and act to maintain a safe environment Perform job functions efficiently, promoting the use of resources Take relieving shifts as scheduled by staff with the same title (relieving PCA) Document all encounters in the electronic medical record Complete encounter forms for every shift Perform dry sterile dressing changes and assist with other patient treatment Activities Perform HIV pre‑ and post‑test counseling Perform rapid HIV testing Enter data into the rapid HIV database and electronic medical record Fax rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office on each tour Perform quality controls Conduct EKGs and fax results Perform nursing follow‑up as assigned Assist with new admission processing Perform venipuncture Maintenance Of Unit Clean equipment (e.g., thermometers, BP machine, EKG machine, suction machine, refrigerators, and other treatment equipment) Stock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery supplies Maintain cleanliness of surface areas of treatment and exam rooms Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment Human Relations Skills Assist other employees when needed Remain responsible and cooperative with supervisors, coworkers, patients, visitors, and Department of Correction personnel Maintain a friendly working atmosphere Maintain a professional attitude and appearance, adhering to uniform policy Accept constructive criticism and modify behavior accordingly Utilize established channels of communication Recognize and respect individuals as unique Recognize limitations and seek assistance appropriately Demonstrate ability to give and receive verbal and written information Working Conditions Because patients require round‑the‑clock care, working hours include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. PCAs are required to stand for long periods and may need to safely lift or transfer patients. Employees are encouraged to use safe movement techniques or request assistance. PCAs may face hazards from chemicals and infectious diseases and may encounter patients who are confused or agitated. Physical Demands Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds; lifting or transferring patients may involve up to 100 pounds Ability to stand for extended periods Fine motor skills Visual acuity Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or its equivalent, approved by a state’s Department of Education or recognized accrediting organization Successful completion of training courses that include phlebotomy and EKG, or completion of a training program such as Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, Patient Care, or Medical Assistant training Holds, or obtains through facility orientation, a valid and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) Special Note In addition to meeting the above qualifications, assignment to a long‑term care facility requires New York State Nurse’s Aide certification. #J-18808-Ljbffr