Patient Care Assistant I Inpatient

Under the direction of a registered/licensed nurse (RN), the Clinical Assistant I, Inpatient (CA) is a member of the interdisciplinary health care team, providing essential clinical and supportive care functions to promote a safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care environment. This role supports patient comfort, safety, and daily care needs while adhering to established clinical protocols, safety standards, and institutional policies. The position aligns with and actively supports Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s mission, vision, and core values of Impact, Excellence, Compassion & Respect, Discovery, and Inclusion.

As part of a new clinical collaboration, this role delivers inpatient oncology care at Mount Auburn Hospital, backed by Dana-Farber’s expertise, resources, and supportive team culture. This is an opportunity to work alongside top clinicians and contribute to the future of cancer care, including opportunities in the upcoming freestanding adult inpatient cancer hospital.

Schedule

Nights, 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
36 hours per week, with rotating weekends

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and daily living support:
  • Assist with activities of daily living (hygiene, bathing, toileting, dressing, mobility).
  • Support meal set-up and feeding as indicated.
  • Provide skin care, positioning and turning, ambulation, and range of motion.
  • Assist with admission, discharge, safe patient transport, and orientation of patients and families.
• Support patient monitoring, data collection, and specimen collection:
  • Obtain and record patient data such as vital signs, pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure, height, weight, intake and output, blood glucose results, and 12-lead ECGs.
  • Perform bladder scanning and specimen collection using two patient identifiers.
  • Promptly report changes in patient status or abnormal findings to the RN/licensed nurse.
• Prepare, use, and maintain equipment and the care environment:
  • Retrieve, set up, and clean patient care equipment (e.g., cardiac monitors, portable oxygen, pulse oximeters, suction systems, lifting equipment, scales).
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized patient care environment.
  • Follow equipment management and infection prevention practices, including standard precautions and hand hygiene.
• Promote a safe, healing, and respectful environment:
  • Perform hourly rounding and respond promptly to call lights and patient/family requests.
  • Provide constant observation when assigned.
  • Use Safe Patient Handling principles and report safety concerns.
  • Demonstrate respect, kindness, and cultural sensitivity while protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Document care and communicate effectively within the care team:
  • Accurately document assigned aspects of care and patient data in approved forms and the electronic medical record.
  • Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
  • Seek RN assistance when needed to meet patient/family needs and escalate concerns.
• Participate as an engaged member of the interdisciplinary team:
  • Collaborate with nurses and other team members to meet patient, family, and unit needs.
  • Proactively offer assistance to others and adapt to changing unit demands.
  • Provide care appropriate to the age and condition of patients on assigned unit(s).
• Support learning, development, and mentoring:
  • Participate in ongoing education by identifying learning needs and completing required annual training.
  • Attend in-services and support orientation and mentoring of new Clinical Assistants.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• CNA, PCT, MA, EMT, or equivalent experience required. Previous experience not required with CNA license.
• Certification as a nursing assistant required upon hire, unless incumbent is a nursing student who has completed fundamentals of nursing with a clinical component (clinical rotation or simulation lab). May not currently hold a valid nursing license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross required upon hire.

Skills

• Knowledge of English language sufficient to read, speak, and write accurately.
• Knowledge of simple math.
• Ability to lift and transport patients using appropriate physical techniques in a safe manner, following Safe Patient Handling guidelines.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, visitors, and personnel.

Benefits

This position is eligible for full-time benefits.

Pay

$47,840.00 - $58,024.00