Patient Care Associate

Patient Care Associate

As an integral part of the patient care team, the Patient Care Associate performs direct and indirect patient care functions under the supervision of appropriately licensed personnel. The Associate is responsible for assisting patients with personal care needs and participates in the plan of care. The Associate regularly communicates observations and data collection to the Clinical Associate. This position also collects test specimens as directed according to established procedures and documents patient care activities consistent with data collection and the test performed. The Associate may be required to perform Limited Laboratory Services to include: patient identification and preparation for specimen collection, processing samples for testing, performing required quality control testing and instrument maintenance and function checks, monitoring, recording and reporting test results to clinicians to include critical values, and maintaining competency/certification of the aforementioned tasks and duties. The Associate assists customers in a friendly, prompt, caring manner, always maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and respect. This position works as part of the care team to meet the needs of the customer and to support team objectives, assisting other team members when necessary.

Qualifications:

• High School degree or equivalent required.
• Ability to speak and write English Language required. Bilingual preferred.
• BLS from the American Heart Association required within 30 days at time of hire or transfer.
• Knowledge of medical terminology required.
• Patient Care education or direct patient care experience required.
• Interpersonal skills required to effectively communicate with other team members.
• Candidates for this position must demonstrate the ability to be flexible, set priorities, solve problems and use good judgment in difficult situations.
• Proficiency in Clinical Applications preferred at time of hire; incumbents within position will be trained appropriately and then skill will be required for this position within 30-60 days from date of hire.

Performance Expectations:

Demonstrates the ability to perform the department specific competencies as listed on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

Work Environment:

Potential for exposure to the hazards and risk of the hospital environment, including exposure to infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, hazardous substances, and potential injury. Reaching, stooping, kneeling and crouching approximately 25% of a workday; visual and physical ability required to work at a computer terminal; standing and walking approximately 50% of a workday; lifting approximately 50 to 100 pounds frequently with assistance occasionally; physical abilities required to push, pull or transport equipment and patients. Essential functions of this position are listed on the department specific Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

Reporting Relationship:

This position reports to nursing unit leadership.