Patient Care Assistant, Emergency Room 24 Hours, Evenings

Major Responsibilities

• Provides clear, timely communication to the RN regarding observations and changes seen in patients.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of a safe environment.
• Works to utilize interventions to de-escalate patients and if unsuccessful participates in restraints in accordance with training and education as directed.
• Assists patient with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, ambulating, meals and nourishment.
• Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, utilizing fall prevention alternative devices/strategies as directed, and following the Restraint Policy standards when caring for a restrained patient.
• Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure and pulse oxymetry).
• Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, utilizing fall prevention alternative devices/strategies as directed, and following the Restraint Policy standards when caring for a restrained patient.
• Measures and records patients’ height and weight.
• Performs EKG’s, performs Point of Care (POC) tests and bladder scanning according to hospital standards.
• Collects, labels, and prepares specimens for transport to lab.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ needs by acting as a source of information and approaches all interactions with the intention of building positive rapport and relationships.
• Performs other selected unit specific procedures such as battery changes for telemetry units, checking status of unit equipment, cleaning equipment between patients and proper storage of supplies.
• Assists RN/Licensed Independent Practitioner with treatments and procedures by preparing patient; obtaining and setting up equipment and supplies, such as intravenous and hemodynamic lines, and utilize sterile technique when indicated.
• Help in positioning the patient and providing the patient with emotional support.
• Clean up equipment and supplies following the treatment and/or procedure.
• Observes, measures, records oral food and fluid intake.
• Sets up full strength tube feeding solutions and refills tube feeding bags as directed.
• Empties and records output, as approved, from a variety of sources, e.g., Foley catheter, ostomy appliances and drainage systems.
• Performs ostomy care on established ostomate patients as directed.
• Answers telephone using appropriate telephone etiquette.
• Takes and relays messages.
• Utilizes intra-department communication systems, such as pagers and intercom.
• Replenishes patient and unit supplies and equipment.

Position Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school education or GED.
• Current Basic Life Support.
• Demonstrated competency attainment in the PCT II level or 1 year of acute care/hospital experience or 1 year of EMT Paramedic experience.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.
• Medical Terminology.
• Computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to gather information from individuals, build relationships that support collaborative work within the department and across the organization and provide exceptional service to patients.
• Must have proven problem-solving abilities for routine situations and requests assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
• Must be able to remain calm when under stress or in emergency situations.

Physical Demands And Environmental Conditions

• Position requires work indoors in a patient care environment.
• Hand dexterity, hearing and vision ability to take direction from a patient or provider, adjust equipment, observe and describe patient observations.
• Must be able to lift, up to 50 pounds.
• Work is of heavy demand, standing and walking most of the time with the possibility of pushing heavy equipment and bending frequently.