Patient Care Assistant

Position Summary

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is an essential member of the clinical care team, responsible for delivering high-quality support to both patients and clinical staff across a wide range of medical and administrative tasks. This role includes direct patient care, coordination of services, basic clinical procedures, regulatory compliance, and laboratory assistance. The PCA enhances the patient experience by fostering a compassionate, organized, and safe environment while supporting efficiency in daily operations. This position is ideal for individuals who are highly motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to providing patient-centered care.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Patient Coordination & Administration

• Coordinate patient scheduling with attention to timeliness and patient needs.
• Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, and authorizations to ensure coverage prior to service delivery.
• Assist with point-of-service payments, billing inquiries, and financial documentation.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, providers, and administrative staff to facilitate communication and resolve concerns.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of exam rooms and equipment.
• Ensure adequate inventory of medical supplies and assist with restocking as needed.
• Support a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all patients and staff.

Direct Patient Care

• Performs patient care duties, tasks, and procedures under the supervision and as delegated by the Registered Nurse.
• Obtains and accurately records patient data including vitals, weights, visual acuity and other data collection activities using appropriate techniques.
• Performs 12-lead ECGs
• Cleans patient rooms and care spaces in accordance with infection prevention policies and guidelines
• Assist with patient ambulation and transport within the clinic.
• Assist with setup and application of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), including splints and orthopedic supports.
• Prepare examination rooms and assist with common procedures, including: Laceration repairs, Incision and drainage (I&D), Wound care, Epistaxis management, Dental box setup
• Provide support in rooming patients
• Accurately documents clinical information into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Appropriately applies and operates clinical equipment for cardiac monitoring, pulse oximetry, and temperature evaluation under guidance.

Laboratory Support & Specimen Collection

• Conduct phlebotomy and specimen collection and processing procedures with proper labeling and documentation
• Performs point-of-care testing (POCT) on blood, urine and other specimen types as trained and delegated.
• Assist with preparing specimens for send-out laboratory services.

Regulatory Compliance

• Adhere strictly to HIPAA guidelines to maintain patient confidentiality and data security.
• Comply with OSHA regulations, including proper handling and disposal of sharps and hazardous materials.
• Demonstrate understanding of bloodborne pathogens and appropriate use of PPE.
• Participate in emergency response training, fire drills, and safe use of portable fire extinguishers.
• Assist in FDA medical device reporting procedures as applicable.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Attending college in pursuance of nursing, or other medical education program preferred.
• BLS Certification is preferred prior to start and required within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience in healthcare, familiarity with EHR systems, and a strong understanding of clinical workflows are strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic clinical knowledge and commitment to maintaining clinical accuracy.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, with frequent communication needed to interact with patients, families, and clinical staff.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate medical tools, instruments, and computer systems.
• The role involves frequent standing and walking, sometimes for extended periods, and occasional sitting, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling as part of patient care and room preparation duties.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move patients or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision (including for specimen analysis), peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The work environment is typically a clinical setting with a moderate noise level and routine exposure to bodily fluids, sharp instruments, chemicals, and other hazards commonly associated with medical care.
• Adherence to infection control practices and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times.