Patient Care Associate

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan is the community hospital of choice for residents of East Harlem, northern Manhattan, and neighboring communities. The hospital provides culturally-sensitive care in a welcoming and hospitable setting, emphasizing primary care medicine and utilizing the latest advances in medical science. Metropolitan delivers high quality health services with compassion, dignity, and respect to all, without exception. Since its founding in 1875, the hospital has been affiliated with New York Medical College, representing the oldest partnership between a hospital and a private medical school in the United States. Metropolitan is a part of the NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest municipal hospital and health care system in the country.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Work Shifts

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

Weekly standard hours: 37.5 hours

ROTATING WEEKENDS

Duties & Responsibilities

Purpose of Position :

Under direct supervision of a licensed Nurse or other professional medical staff in a health care setting, performs a variety of clerical and health-related essential duties and responsibilities associated with patient care; performs related work.

Examples of Typical Tasks :
1. Checks vital signs, weighs, and measures patients, obtains specimens and records findings on patient's chart.
2. Instructs patients on how to obtain specimens for laboratory testing and performs basic specimen screening
testing through dipstick and hemoccult.
3. Prepares collected specimens for pick-up by labeling and preparing required form(s).
4. Performs vision and hearing testing and simple urinalysis.
5. Administers emergency first aid, including basic life support procedures.
6. Performs simple first aid such as dressing changes, bandaging and cleansing of wounds, irrigation and cleansing of ears.
7. Prepares patient for examination and assists medical provider during examination by providing necessary
supplies/equipment.
8. Prepares examination room including cleaning and disinfecting of instruments and equipment.
9. Informs patients on proper preparation for various medical testing.
10. Interviews patient to obtain routine personal and medical information and appropriate health history.
11. Maintains, completes, processes and files patients' charts, appropriate forms and documents.
12. Reports observations of patient to clinical staff caring for patient to ensure professional assessment.
13. Answers routine inquiries of patients in person or via telephone and makes appropriate referrals.
14. Provides information to patients and their families regarding health care services and the achievement of
healthy, safe living.
15. Maintains inventory of the unit's equipment stock and supplies.
16. Works effectively as a team member in the delivery of care and assists in the orientation of new employees.
17. Directs and escorts patients to other departments and/or health care settings, as needed.
18. Coordinates efforts of various clinic and health care setting departments in scheduling and re-booking appointments through manual and/or automated systems and enters pertinent patient information into the Electronic Medical Record systems.
19. Obtains blood specimens for laboratory testing by performing venipuncture and/or fingerstick testing.
20. Operates electrocardiograph equipment to record electrical wave tracing of the electrical currents of the heart muscle.

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.

Department Preferences

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Requirements:
Knowledge
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and hospital-mandated safety/compliance requirements
• Anatomy, physiology, and common medical-surgical diagnoses (CHF, TB, stroke, dementia, cancer, orthopedic/trauma, and post-surgical recovery)
• Principles of infection prevention and isolation precautions, including TB-specific protocols
• Fundamentals of geriatric care and dementia-specific communication strategies
• Safe patient handling, body mechanics, and fall-prevention practices
• Basics of skin integrity support and pressure injury prevention
• Nutrition, hydration, and toileting needs of acutely ill and geriatric patients
• MRI safety protocols and safe use of interpreter/assistive communication devices (e.g., phone)
• Cultural diversity and accommodations to support patient-centered care
• Awareness of oncology-specific precautions, such as brachytherapy
Skills
• Measure and document vital signs, weights, and intake/output accurately
• Assist with ADLs (feeding, bathing, toileting, grooming, mobility) while encouraging independence
• Demonstrate manual dexterity and safe body mechanics during patient care and transport
• Collect and label specimens (urine, stool, sputum) safely and accurately
• Assist with rehabilitation activities (ambulation, positioning, ROM exercises, use of assistive devices)
• Provide support during diagnostic procedures, surgery prep, and recovery
• Recognize and promptly report changes in patient condition, behavior, or safety risks
• Operate and maintain common unit equipment (vital signs monitor, hospital beds, wheelchairs, commodes, SCDs)
• Use communication aids and interpreter devices to ensure clear patient-provider interaction
• Support culturally sensitive care through adapted communication and approaches
• Demonstrate proficiency with documentation systems (computers, portable EMR devices, handhelds) to record basic care
Attitudes
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach that respects dignity and individuality
• Strong teamwork and collaboration with patients, families, and coworkers
• Accountability in task completion, adherence to policies, and patient safety
• Openness to continuous learning and skill development
• Respect for cultural diversity, patient rights, and confidentiality (HIPAA compliance)
• Proactive in anticipating patient needs and ensuring comfort and safety
• Professionalism in appearance, punctuality, and communication
• Flexible, positive attitude in supporting interdisciplinary teams and adapting to changing acuity

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.