Patient Care Associate: The Birthplace-Postpartum/Term Nursery - Per Diem at IntelyCare

Patient Care Assistant

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) will work under the direction of the Registered Nurse. During the assigned work period, PCAs will collect patient data, complete personal care of the patient, perform point of care testing such as whole blood glucose, turn & position and/or mobilize patients, and assist with caring for the needs of assigned patients with a focus on progress toward discharge, including during transitions within the acute care stay. The PCA is trained to perform technical procedures such as blood draw and electrocardiography. The Patient Care Assistant promotes the availability of resources for patient care through collaboration with Material's Coordinators for use, stocking, and storage of supplies. The Patient Care Assistant participates in the creation and maintenance of a clean, orderly, and safe environment of care. PCAs may also be asked to provide the service of activity companion for patients requiring observation. The Patient Care Assistant is responsible for assisting in the delivery of patient care provided by the caregiving team. They assure that competent, compassionate patient care is uniformly provided to customers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Collects pertinent data and information relative to the patient's health or situation, including vital signs, height and weight, and food and fluid intake and output.

Reports abnormal findings to the RN and patient care team.

Participates in care planning and the nursing report process.

Incorporates patient/family rights to participate in decision making about their care

Utilizes standardized techniques for keeping patients and families informed.

Provides personal care to patients including bathing, oral care, and skin care

Assists the patient with eating and hydration, grooming, dressing, and toileting.

Incorporates safe patient handling into basic restorative care such as ambulation, range of motion and use of assistive and prosthetic devices.

Employs strategies to promote a clean, orderly, and safe environment.

Demonstrates standard and transmission, based precautions and infection control techniques.

Provides details related to patient progress toward the achievement of goals and outcomes to the RN.

Documents all care in the patient record.

Qualifications

High School Diploma/G.E.D. or equivalent - required

Less than 1 year experience in a health care setting or completion of certified nurse assistant course - preferred

Experience as a paramedic, emergency technician - preferred

Basic knowledge of medical terminology (Medium proficiency)

Honest, punctual, and performs the job in adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct as defined by Albany Medical Center and the tenets of the profession.

Ability to communicate cooperatively and effectively with patients, family members, employees and others.

Physical Demands

Standing - Constantly

Walking - Constantly

Sitting - Rarely

Lifting - Frequently

Carrying - Frequently

Pushing - Occasionally

Pulling - Occasionally

Climbing - Occasionally

Balancing - Occasionally

Stooping - Frequently

Kneeling - Frequently

Crouching - Frequently

Crawling - Occasionally

Reaching - Frequently

Handling - Frequently

Grasping - Frequently

Feeling - Constantly

Talking - Constantly

Hearing - Constantly

Repetitive Motions - Constantly

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly