Patient Care Associate - CHS

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, and correctional health services. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to 1.4 million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees are uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services is one of the nation's leading correctional health care systems in quality of and innovations to care, and access from pre-arraignment through compassionate release. In-jail services include medical, nursing, mental health, substance use treatment, social work, dental and vision care, discharge planning, and reentry support. In addition to providing direct patient care in the jails, CHS leverages the resources of the nation's largest municipal health care system to help discharged patients successfully return to their communities. CHS is also a pivotal partner in New York City's criminal justice reform efforts.

Work Shifts

3:30 P.M - 12:00 P.M

• Facility: Various Locations on Rikers Island
• Scheduling Notes: PCAs are required to work every other weekend

Duties & Responsibilities

The Patient Care Associate , under the direction of a licensed nurse or other medical staff in the health care setting, assists the professional staff by performing veni-puncture, finger-sticks, HIV Pre and Post Test Counseling, Rapid HIV Testing, responding and assisting with emergencies, facilitating telehealth encounters, and various clerical and health-related duties associated with patient care (ADLs as indicated), contributing to the safety, care, and comfort of patients.

Duties are assigned by and performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The Patient Care Associate may be required to perform the duties listed below and other duties involving the same type and area of responsibility. Patient care associates also observe their patient's mental, emotional, and physical conditions and report any changes to the nursing staff.
Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate telehealth encounters as needed
2. Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete)
3. Assist with patient's personal hygiene, including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc.
4. Transfer patients in and out of bed, stretcher, and wheelchair, including physical and mechanical lifting
5. Position patients and carry out range of motion exercises
6. Assist with ambulating and all ADLs as directed
7. Prepare patients for meals and assist with feeding as needed
8. Assist with unit admission and transfer of patient
9. Make beds and tidy patient areas for bedridden patients
10. Take and document in the electronic medical record all patient vital signs (B/P, TPR, weights, intake and output), perform EKGs as required, and follow outlined procedures for submitting abnormal EKGs
11. Administer hot and cold applications to patients under supervision
12. Maintain intake and output for oral and body excretions
13. Notify MD/Nursing staff of any changes in patient status
14. Perform urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization
15. Chaperone staff in all clinical areas when requested
16. Maintain competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical performance checklist for Nursing Assistant
17. Assist with nursing follow-ups and transmit necessary information to the laboratory electronically
18. Anticipate and act to maintain a safe environment
19. Perform job functions in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources
20. Wait for relief at change of tour by staff with same title (relieving PCA)
21. Document all encounters in the electronic medical record
22. Complete encounter forms every shift
23. Perform dry sterile dressing changes and assist with other patient treatment

Activities:

1. Perform HIV Pre and Post Test Counseling
2. Perform Rapid HIV Testing
3. Enter data in the Rapid HIV database and electronic medical record
4. Fax Rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office every tour
5. Perform quality controls
6. Perform EKGs and fax information
7. Perform nursing follow-up as assigned
8. Assist with new admission processing
9. Perform veni-puncture

Maintenance of Unit:

1. Clean equipment (e.g., thermometers, B/P machine, EKG machine, suction machine, refrigerators, and other treatment equipment)
2. Stock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery supplies
3. Maintain cleanliness of surface areas of treatment and exam rooms
4. Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment

Human Relations Skills:

1. Assist other employees where needed
2. Remain responsible and cooperative with supervisors, fellow associates, patients, visitors, and Department of Correction personnel
3. Maintain a friendly working atmosphere
4. Maintain a professional attitude
5. Maintain professional appearance and adhere to uniform policy of the Department of Nursing
6. Accept constructive criticism as evidenced by appropriate changes in behavior
7. Utilize established channels of communication
8. Recognize, accept, and respect people as individuals
9. Recognize limitations and seek assistance appropriately
10. 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 of time. Employees are encouraged to safely move patients and use alternative methods whenever possible; alternative methods include requesting assistance to roll, lift, or transfer patients.

PCAs may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases. In addition, they may treat patients who are confused, irrational, agitated, and/or uncooperative.
Physical Demands:

1. Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds; moving, lifting, or transferring patients may involve up to 100 pounds
2. Ability to stand for extended periods
3. Fine motor skills
4. Visual acuity

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements:
1. High school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization; and
2. Successful completion of training courses including the performance of phlebotomy and
electrocardiography (EKG), or completion of a training program or programs that include the performance of phlebotomy and EKG, such as Phlebotomy Technician and EKG Technician training programs, a Patient Care training program, or a Medical Assistant training program; and
3. Holds, or obtains through facility orientation, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).
Special Note:
In addition to meeting the qualifications above, assignment to a long-term care facility requires New York State Nurse's Aide certification.

Benefits

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• College Savings Program
• Union Benefits for eligible titles
• Multiple employee discounts programs
• Commuter Benefits Programs

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply for Job" button.