Patient Care Assistant, Emergency Room - 24 Hours, Nights

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.
• Aids 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

• License/Certification/Education Required: Minimum of a high school education or GED. Current Basic Life Support.
• Experience/Skills Required: 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.