Patient Care Assistant-MS7-24hr

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse as part of an inpatient/hospital unit, performs a variety of routine direct patient care, environmental, and administrative support activities to promote the health, safety, and comfort of patients and families. All patient care and support activities are completed in accordance with CCMC and unit policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Direct Patient Care – Provides direct patient care (as defined by unit) that addresses the population-specific needs of the patients on the unit. Activities may include:
  • Assist patient with feedings and personal care (e.g., hygiene, ambulating, and activities of daily living).
  • Obtain vital signs, temperature, weight, height, head circumference, or other patient data as required.
  • Obtain and test specimens (e.g., blood glucose, urine).
  • Transport patients.
  • Assist with patient admissions and discharges.
  Demonstrates an awareness of safety needs and a basic knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, risk management, and environment of care policies in all interactions with patients/families. Responds with tact and discretion to the needs of patients and families and reports needs beyond the PCA skill level to the RN.
• Documentation – Accurately documents patient information on appropriate forms. Demonstrates basic data entry and data retrieval competency in electronic patient records and/or patient supply systems utilized on the unit.
• Unit Support Activities –
  • Maintains appropriate inventories of unit supplies in patient rooms/bedside stands and in treatment, utility, medication, and linen rooms.
  • Cleans, maintains, and inventories unit equipment.
  • May perform quality control checks on equipment or supplies as directed by the RN.
  • Utilizes all equipment appropriately and notifies the appropriate person of equipment or facility breakdown or damage.
  • Assists with miscellaneous errands and transportation of medication (including controlled substances), blood, equipment, and supplies as directed by the RN.
  • Assists with routine clerical tasks.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the population-specific differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers.
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values, and goals of the organization through behaviors consistent with the CCMC STANDARDS.

Requirements

• Education and/or Experience:
  • Required: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent, or higher level of education that requires a high school diploma.
  • Preferred: Successful completion or enrollment in a Certified Nurse’s Aide training program, completion of a Medical Assistant program, or EMT certification.
  • Minimum of one year pediatric PCA experience preferred.
• License and/or Certification:
  • BLS/CPR, American Heart Association, required within 2 weeks of hire and must remain current at all times.
  • Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification by the State of Connecticut preferred.
  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained thereafter.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of:
    • Basic medical terminology preferred.
    • Basic math and measurements.
    • Basic understanding of organization’s environment of care and infection control policies and procedures.
  • Skills:
    • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in English, demonstrating a command of basic grammar and spelling; bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
    • Ability to understand and follow specific written and verbal instructions and procedures.
    • Ability to learn and demonstrate competency in standard clinical procedures within the specialty area, according to established protocols.
    • Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
    • Ability to learn and follow established protocols to initiate appropriate action in emergency/crisis situations.
    • Ability to learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry/data retrieval in electronic patient records and/or patient supply systems utilized on the unit.

About Us

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families, and team members.

About The Team

MS7 is a very fast-paced medical-surgical floor with 28 beds where our average patient turnaround and length of stay is between 24 hours to 3 days. We specialize in the care of children with complex Neurology, Cardiology, Pulmonary, and Urology conditions, as well as other general medical ailments. Our team is family-oriented, and we pride ourselves on teamwork, discovery, advocacy, communication, and providing compassionate care. We work closely with a multitude of specialty areas, including both the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units. We strive to provide patient- and family-centered care that incorporates our families' input to ensure a comprehensive plan of care. Our goal is to build strong, trusting relationships with our patients and families.