Patient Care Associate

Patient Care Associate The Patient Care Associate supports the registered nurse in patient care activities, such as: assisting patient with activities of daily living, collecting specimens and performing procedures; maintaining a safe, clean environment; and other duties as needed. Performs and records patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respirations. Obtains patients' rating on pain scales as a fifth vital sign in all areas except Paediatrics. Performs clinical procedures, such as specimen collection, venepuncture, EKG, application of compression devices, post-mortem care, and maintenance of skin integrity. Assists patient with activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing, mouth care, back rubs and/or toileting. Assists patient with ambulation and all levels of mobilization. Assists with dietary functions, including delivering and collecting patient trays at bedside, passing menus to patients and assisting them with menu completion, mixing nutritional supplements, reporting variation in eating patterns to RN/Dietitian, and maintaining accurate and timely systems for transmission of patient dietary orders and changes. Maintains a safe, clean and functional environment, including ensuring for the comfortable movement of the patient. Assists the patient in room maintenance, such as bed-stripping and trash removed, when necessary. Performs one-to-one observation or close observation status of patients, e.g., safety, elopement risk, or suicide prevention. Maintains "isolation status" for patients under direction of an RN and according to set procedures. Performs scheduled purposeful rounding on patients with emphasis on caring for toileting needs, comfort, positioning and pain awareness. Utilizes Vocera system according to sign in/sign out protocol where activated. Performs other duties as assigned, including generating reports. Respects and values each patient's unique, individual needs, beliefs, and diversity and incorporates these into delivery of care. Greets visitors and answers telephones promptly and courteously. Provides information as appropriate. Answers Patient Call System and refers calls to appropriate staff. Transports patients to stretchers or wheelchairs, as required. Delivers and collects trays and bedside & Delivers flowers to patients. Operates the pneumatic tube system when required. Shared Duties and Responsibilities Across ICU's/Specialty Units Performs emergency clean-up. Performs discharge bedmaking. Updates communication board/discharge log. Updates Admission/Transfer/Discharge System. Skills: Three to nine months of healthcare experience preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr