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 departments 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, and 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.