A Patient Care Assistant PCA assists in direct patient care, general clerical duties, and other related services as assigned under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The PCA reports to the Resource Nurse or Module Leader in the area of assignment and is accountable to the departments Nurse Leader and/or the House Supervisor on duty.
Responsibilities:
- Provide direct care to the entire patient population served, which may include children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.
- Direct care includes meeting physical and emotional needs of all patients, family, and significant others served.
- Unit-specific competencies will be achieved and maintained within a time frame as determined by the department Nurse Leader.
- Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADL).
- Performs blood glucose monitoring through the finger stick method.
- Discontinues Foley catheters.
- Discontinues IV angiocaths and saline-locks.
- Orders and stores supplies.
- Documents effectively and appropriately in the patients electronic medical record.
- Obtains Vitals signs and reports abnormal findings to RN.
- Records I & O accurately and reports inconsistencies to RN.
- Performs chest compressions as a member of the code 100 team.
- Assists with physician order entry, scheduling procedures, and chart preparation as needed.
- Effectively documents and/or communicates all information relevant to patient care.
- Answers patients requests promptly and responds appropriately.
- Reports observations, assessments, and changes in condition, interventions, and responses to intervention in a timely manner to the RN.
- Participates in performance improvement activities for the unit and the department of nursing.
- Participates in staff orientation activities and peer support for new PCAs.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Licensure, Certification, Registration:
- Required Credentials: BLS Provider credentialed from the American Heart Association (AHA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- Preferred Credentials: Certified Nurse Aide credentialed from the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry.
Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.