Patient Care Associate 1, Medical Surgical, FT, Nights

Patient Care Associate

Patient Care Associate provides patient focused, age-specific, information and clinical based support to patients through the utilization of appropriate health information equipment / systems. This is the level 3 job in the nursing support career ladder.

Responsibilities

• Uses a systematic process to provide / modify care and patient / family education.
• Assists health care team with simple procedures; prepares supplies & equipment; provides patient / family support, assists in positioning patients, sets up / or remove equipment etc.
• Under direction, performs a variety of tasks associated with generalized patient care (vital signs, feeding, mobility, drainage, and personal hygiene : bath, dressing, bed making / linen changes etc.).
• Utilizes specialized equipment as needed when providing patient care.
• Prepares and cleans exam rooms, patient treatment areas and stretchers between patient uses.
• Transports patients to and from treatment areas when needed.
• Cleans assigned area after patient's treatment, as needed according to departmental procedures.
• Takes and picks up food orders for patient's kitchen evaluation.
• Assists in the fabrication of adaptive and assistive equipment, i.e. washing mitts, wheelchair gloves, safety belts, straps, etc.
• Keeps the storage closet in order and stocked.
• Assists with office duties as needed.
• Assists and provides support to the health care team including set-up, equipment prep, clean up and restocking and specimen labeling.
• Attentive to patient care needs that meets clinical goal for routine visits.
• Responsive in meeting patient flow processes that reduce patient waiting time for procedures.
• Adjusts work pace, as directed to meet volume demands of clinical unit.
• Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to support delivery model of care as defined by ANM / NM.
• Schedules appointments for referrals / consults as assigned, minimizes distractions.
• Consistently adheres to time outs prior to start of surgical and invasive procedures per policy.
• Follows policies on identification of patients, hand hygiene / infection control and all other related unit specific policies and procedures, as detailed on the unit specific competency checklist.
• Performs phlebotomy function as assigned. Employees assigned to units performing phlebotomy function must have completed an accredited phlebotomy program.
• Utilizes job and unit specific equipment as required.
• Demonstrates behaviors of service excellence and CARE values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Expertise).
• Performs all other related job duties as assigned.

Generally requires 0 to 3 years of related experience.

Completion of an approved Medical Assistant or Nursing Assistant training program is required.

Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with critical thinking and professional composure. Ability to understand and follow instructions. Knowledge and skill in use of job appropriate technology and software applications. Must meet and maintain current all unit specific and organizational skills / competencies, certifications / licensures, as required by the nursing area.

Medical Assistant Certification OR Certified Nursing Assistant license, including Phlebotomy is required. Employees hired into PCA classification before 08 / 09 / 2020 are grandfathered in for the certification / license requirement. Incumbents performing phlebotomy function must have a proof of completion of an accredited phlebotomy program. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) and any additional applicable life support certification for Healthcare Providers is required upon hire with at least 6 months validity and maintenance at JHS for the duration of employment.

Physical Requirements - Job function requires extended standing or walking. Must be able to carry objects weighing 21 to 50 pounds. Able to lift or move objects weighing 51 to 100 pounds with the use of appropriate devices. Jobs in this group require frequent visual acuity to perform activities related to extended use of computers. Additional information and provision requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by the home unit / department in collaboration with the Reasonable Accommodations Committee (RAC).

Environmental Conditions - Jobs in this group are required to function in a fast paced environment with occasional high pressure or emergent and stressful situations. Frequent interaction with a diverse population including team members, providers, patients, insurance companies and other members of the public. Function is subject to inside environmental conditions, with occasional outdoor exposures. Exposure to various environments such as : communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a hospital and medical office environment. May also be exposed to needle sticks, airborne infections, medical gases, X-Ray, chemical exposures and other potential hazards. Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when exposed to infectious / clinical hospital environment. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions. Additional information and provision requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by the home unit / department in collaboration with the Reasonable Accommodations Committee (RAC).