Patient Care Assistant

Patient Care Assistant – Pre-Op/PACU
Reports to: Director of Nursing/Pre-Op/PACU Manager
Department: Nursing
Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $20-30/hour

Shift: 10:00AM to 6:30PM

Job descriptions may be revised in writing to add or delete duties at any time at the discretion of management.

Position Purpose:
Under the direction of a registered/licensed nurse (RN), the Patient Care Assistant is a member of the interdisciplinary health care team assisting in clinical support functions to promote a safe, compassionate patient care environment.

Interpersonal Relationships:
As a representative of NEBSC, all comments, attitudes, actions and behaviors have a direct effect on the Facility’s image and perceptions of quality service. Interaction with patients, families, physicians, referral sources, affiliating schools, visitors, volunteers, co-workers, supervisors, vendors, etc. must be in a manner that is friendly, supportive, courteous, respectful, cooperative, and professional. This behavior should promote an atmosphere of teamwork which is congruent with Facility standards and guidelines to promote positive relations.

Position Requirements:
High school diploma, GED or equivalent required unless a candidate holds a nursing assistant certification. Experience/Certification and/or training in clinical patient care preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to correlate clinical data with patient’s medical and nursing care.
• Ability to set priorities.
• Ability to take direction from others.
• Ability to communicate well with Physicians, Patients, Co-workers, etc. and provide information that is clear, concise and promotes efficiency on the unit.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility with assignments and schedule .
• Conducts tasks with efficiency and professionalism.
• Maintain positive interpersonal communication between staff.
• Monitor and supply the pre-operative areas for patient OR attire, extra linens (i.e. sheets, pillowcases, warm blankets), and other items needed for patient use.
• Greet patients using customer-friendly approach pre-operatively and help with the admitting process (checking Vital Signs, Glucometer Tests and HCG Tests as needed) under NEBSC Policy and the direction of the Pre-op Nurse.
• Help with continuous patient flow by providing pre-op area with clean made-up stretchers and/or moveable recliners, as necessary.
• Communicates pertinent general information to nursing staff as indicated (i.e. surgeon and/or anesthesia arrival, etc.).
• Assists PACU staff by retrieving Patient’s belongings, nourishment for patients (i.e. crackers, water, soft drinks, etc.) at appropriate times under the direct supervision and/or instruction of the staff RN.
• Assist RN with recording vital signs and post-op ambulation as needed.
• Assist patients with changing into their street clothes prior to discharge.
• Assist with patient transport via wheelchair upon discharge from PACU and under supervision of the RN.
• Stock storage and patient care area with appropriate supplies.
• Assist with removal of dirty linens, placing trash in appropriate receptacles, straighten PACU patient care areas, restock supplies as needed, and clean stretchers with facility-approved agents and remake with clean linens after each use.
• Alert nurses of any changes in patient monitoring (EKG rhythm, rate, oxygen saturation, and BP alarms).
• Other duties as assigned

• Completes any required documentation to ensure the availability of accurate and up to date information in accordance with established standards.
• Adheres to established surgery center safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Demonstrates the competent usage of proper body mechanics in all activities.
• Identifies potentially unsafe situations and notifies supervisor .
• Completes all employee/patient incident documentation in a thorough and timely manner, as required by facility policy.
• Demonstrates complete understanding of established emergency procedures.
• Practices infection control and standard precautions as instructed or trained.
• Regularly maintains work area and equipment in a pristine manner.
• Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery and follows procedures for reporting and correcting an unsafe situation.
• Performs all other duties assigned by the supervisor.

• Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery and follows procedures for reporting and correcting an unsafe situation.

• Interacts with all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees in a mature, responsible manner to ensure a positive and professional surgery center environment.
• Displays a caring and responsive attitude and conducts all activities respecting patient, family and employee rights and expectations.
• Maintains confidentiality of all facility and patient information as required by facility policy.
• Fosters a positive and professional surgery center environment by interacting with all people in a considerate, helpful and courteous manner by participating as a flexible team member.
• Diffuses/resolves conflict by appropriately communicating with those involved.
• Accepts constructive criticism and gives suggestions in a professional manner.
• Considers age specific needs in communication.
• Follows established surgery center policies and procedures regarding attendance.
• Provides notification for unscheduled absences or tardiness in accordance with established departmental procedures.

Machines/Equipment Used: Equipment and supplies used for housekeeping practices in facility.

Environmental Conditions: Indoors, in a climate-controlled environment. Patient care environment with potential exposure to unpleasant odors, blood and body fluids which may carry infection, infectious disease, and chemical and electrical hazards. Occasional exposure to outdoor climate.

Physical Requirements: Good visual acuity. Ability to lift/transfer patients more than 200 pounds, which may require pushing, pulling and essentially utilizing a full range of body movement. Ability to lift objects over 50 pounds. Ability to push heavy equipment on wheels within the OR suite. Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. Ability to reach, grasp, and use fine finger movement. Ability to speak and hear.

Degree of Supervision for this Position: Moderate. Works within the direction of the Pre-op/PACU Nursing team, charge nurse, manager and Director of Nursing.