Patient Care Assistant Trainee Teamsters - Acute Units

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Penn State Health - Hershey Medical Center

Location: US:PA: Hershey

Work Type: Full Time

FTE: 0.90

Shift: Varied

Night Shift Differential:$2.50/hour

Hours: Day shift for orientation, night shift 7:00PM - 7:00AM when transitioning to your unit.

Recruiter Contact: Christopher Donchak at [email protected]

Patient Care Assistant Trainee Program - Launch Your Career in Health Care

Are you ready to start your career in patient care? Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is excited to offer a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Trainee opportunity designed for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in patients' lives and are looking to grow into a long-term health care career. Our patient care assistants are responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. This can include providing close observation and care safely for patients who require 1:1 observation, and assistant patients in activities of daily living such as changing linen and providing a safe environment

About the Trainee Role:

This role, starting July 13, 2026 is designed to be a pathway to full-time employment as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) in our acute care units at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical center

What Happens After Training?

Upon successful completion of the PCA Trainee Program which will take approximately six weeks, you will be eligible to apply internally to open, full-time Acute PCA Trainee positions at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. To remain employed as a PCA beyond the training period, you must:

• Apply to a posted, full-time PCA trainee position in a unit with an available opening, and
• Be offered and accept that position.

Important Considerations:

• While we cannot guarantee placement in a specific unit or shift, most openings are on the night shift and will include weekend hours(typically every second to third weekend).
• Flexibility and commitment to patient care during these shifts are essential to success in this role.
• This is an exciting opportunity to receive on-the-job training, gain hands-on experience, and take the first step toward a rewarding career at Penn State Health.
• After program completion, you will have gained experience as a patient care assistant but will not hold CNA certification.

If selected, must be able to start July 13, 2026 and commit to the six-week training schedule

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S):

• High School Diploma or equivalent

WHY PENN STATE HEALTH?

Penn State Health offers exceptional opportunities to learn and grow, exposure to a wide patient population, and the ability to provide individualized, innovative, and specialized care to patients in the community.

Penn State Health offers an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental and vision with no waiting period as well as a Total Rewards Program that highlights a few of the many additional offerings below:

• Be Well with Employee Wellness Programs, and Fitness Discounts (University Fitness Center, Peloton).
• Be Balanced with Generous Paid Time Off, Personal Time, and Paid Parental Leave.
• Be Secured with Retirement, Extended Illness Bank, Life Insurance, and Identity Theft Protection.
• Be Rewarded with Competitive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, and PAWS UP employee recognition program.
• Be Supported by the HR Solution Center, Learning and Organizational Development and Virtual Benefits Orientation, Employee Exclusive Concierge Service for scheduling.

WHY PENN STATE HEALTH MILTON HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER?

Penn State Hershey Medical Center is Central Pennsylvania's only Academic Medical Center, Level 1 Regional Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, and Tertiary Care Provider. As a four-time Magnet-designated hospital, Hershey Medical Center values the hard work and dedication that our employees exhibit every day. Through our core values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence, our employees are a team committed to compassionate care for our diverse patient population, our community and each other. As a valued team member, we promote continued professional development, specialty certification, continuing education, and career growth.

YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM. WE'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU. State-of-the-art equipment, endless learning, and a culture of excellence - that's Penn State Health. But what makes our healthcare award-winning? That's all you.

This job posting is a general outline of duties performed and is not to be misconstrued as encompassing all duties performed within the position. Eligibility for shift differential pay based on the terms outlined in company policy or union contract. All individuals (including current employees) selected for a position will undergo a background check appropriate for the position's responsibilities.

Penn State Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class including disability or veteran status. Penn State Health's policies and objectives are in direct compliance with all federal and state constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, guidelines, and executive orders that prohibit or outlaw discrimination.

Union: Teamsters Local 776

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