PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT

Description

PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the designated Registered Nurse (RN), the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) supports the mission, vision, and values of MWPH.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

• Functions as an integral part of the Interdisciplinary Team for the patient population served.
• Demonstrates a helpful and professional demeanor, and competently performs delegated nursing and support duties including direct patient care.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, ambulating, etc.
• Applies adaptive devices, records vital signs, intake and output of patient specimens.
• Regularly cleans equipment and toys per policy and stocks patient supplies ensuring adequate levels are maintained.
• Responds to patient call lights promptly, anticipates and addresses patient and family needs, and may perform clerical duties in the absence of the Unit Secretary.
• Effectively utilizes down time to offer assistance and interact with patients, families and assist other staff with patient care activities.
• Complies with approved policies, and procedures.
  Accurately documents patient care activities in a timely manner, and keeps the Registered Nurse well informed of patient status, activities, issues, and status of his/her assignments.
• Functions with a focus on patient safety and customer service, and applies infection control practices effectively and consistently.
• The PCA with appropriate competencies may serve as escort for patient transport and as a "Sitter" according to policy.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Educational Requirements

High School Diploma/Equivalent preferred

Licensure, Certification and Registration

Current CPR
Current Certification as a Nursing Assistant in the State of Maryland

Work Orientation and Experience

Certified Nursing Assistant experience preferred. Registered Nurse Students or Licensed Practical Nursing Students who hold Maryland State Certification as a Nursing Assistant and have completed their Nursing Fundamentals Course and a Clinical Rotation, may work as a Patient Care Assistant, without additional experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Accurately takes and records vital signs, and intake and output, weight, height, etc.
• Demonstrates a highly compassionate and customer oriented approach to care and service
• Demonstrates knowledge of infection control practices
  Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively and courteously interact with staff, patients, families, and visitors, etc.
• Effective oral and written skills
• Ability to manage multiple demands
• Ability to take directions and follow through, but also to be self-directed with patient/family assistance
• Good communication skills
• Team player
• Computer proficiency
• Good judgment and follow-up
• Ability to position patient, lift 25 pounds, walk, run, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, demonstrate manual dexterity, mobility, and visual and auditory ability to do this job

Other Requirements Specific to Assigned Area

Skills and ability to position and transfer patients while maintaining patient comfort and safety.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervision Received

Directly reports to the Nurse Manager

Receives clinical direction and guidance from the Nurse.

Supervision Exercised

None

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/WORKING CONDITIONS

Regular or continuous risk of exposure to body fluids, infectious waste or blood borne diseases requiring the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to established policies and protocols. Occasionally subjected to irregular hours. Occasional stress due to emergency situations or multiple demands.

This job description identifies the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not to be considered an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties or skills required of an incumbent.

Revised 04/30/2025