Patient Care Associate - T8 Nephrology - East

Duties and Responsibilities:

The PCA will demonstrate core competencies in customer service, teamwork, job knowledge, and resource management.

55% of time: Collaborates with the PCC-RN and other members of the patient care team in providing patient care and documenting observations and care given.

• Provides basic nursing care activities such as vital signs, weights, intake and output, patient hygiene measures, patient comfort measures, patient safety, and collection of specimens according to department policies, procedures, and protocols.

• Completes and reports back on assignments delegated by the PCC-RN.

• Observes, reports, and records signs and symptoms as well as other factors pertinent to the patients condition and compliance with prescribed therapies.
• Demonstrates compassion and sensitivity to patients, families, visitors and other staff. Is courteous to others and promotes mutual respect.
• Reports/intervenes to facilitate patient comfort, position, alignment, and turning.
• Assists patient with mobility activities such as ambulation, transfers, and use of assistive devices.
• Assists patient with elimination; provides foley care and ostomy care.
• Documents care given; reports changes in patient condition to the PCC-RN.
• Demonstrates understanding of job responsibilities and uses appropriate knowledge and skills to effectively complete work.
• Anticipates needs of customers and assumes responsibility for solving customer problems.
• Maintains a neat and orderly environment, including nursing station, patient rooms, and unit storage areas.
• Demonstrates cost-effective use of supplies and own time and others time; systematically organizes and prioritizes work.

35% of time: Participates with patient care team in specialized patient care activities.

• Works effectively as a team member and maintains a positive relationship and open communication with other team members and departments within the hospital.
• Assists with basic pulmonary care.

• Works with team to deliver appropriate nursing care in emergency situations, including implementing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, assisting with Code Blue and life safety readiness, and retrieving necessary supplies.

• Assists with the provision of activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Demonstrates ability to use medical equipment (e.g., Accucheck machine, Plexi-Pulse Foot Pumps) to complete job responsibilities.
• Performs materials management/supply management functions, such as stocking supplies in patient rooms and ordering patient/unit supplies, as needed.

5% of time: Participates with team in quality assessment and improvement activities

• Identifies opportunities for improvement in patient care and organizational processes.
• Contributes to performance improvement of UHE, the unit and the patient care team.
• Demonstrates a commitment to providing the highest quality of service to all customers.

Quality measures include:

Patient Satisfaction

Evaluation of patient outcomes

Unit productivity

Cost data

5% of time: Assumes functions of other patient care team members as directed by the PCC-RN.

Organizational Expectations

Practices within UHEs policies and procedures, and Division of Nursing Standards of Practice, including attendance and dress code policies. Maintains infection control standards, implements appropriate patient safety protocols as necessary. Adheres to the Progressive Caring Value statements and the Hospital Core Competencies as demonstrated through positive patient/guest relations, positive and effective interactions with staff, and formulating and meeting developmental goals.

Minimum Qualifications

For Hire:

High school graduate or GED certificate required. One year of experience as a hospital aide, EMT certification, or completion of a military corpsman training program with direct patient care experience required, or successful completion of the PCA training course required. Experience in an acute care environment preferred.

On going:

Demonstrates competence to meet essential job functions. Maintains knowledge related to patient care issues, quality improvement, cost reduction, and current policies, procedures, and protocols. Meets mandatory educational and health requirements. Demonstrates computer skills required to meet job functions.

Patient Population Served

Knowledge of growth and development and an understanding of the range of treatments necessary to meet the age specific needs of the patient population served (Check those that apply):

Not Applicable: Non-patient care title

Adolescents (14 - 17 years)

YES

Neonates (0 6 months)

NO

Adults (18 - 64 years)

YES

Children (7 months - 13 years)

NO

Geriatrics (65 + years)

YES