Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Same Day Surgery Outpatient, Full-time, First Shift

Patient Care

• Engages in population appropriate communication.
• Has knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks.
• Gives clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment.
• Involves family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient.
• Identifies any physical limitations of the patient and deploys intervention when necessary.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems.
• Interprets population related data and plans care appropriately.
• Identifies and responds appropriately to different needs resulting from, unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms.
• Performs treatments, administers medication or operates equipment safely.
• Recognizes and responds to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.

Required Skills And Knowledge

• Trained and maintains proficiency in AHA CPR and patient care skills.
• Completes unit-specific hospital safety education.
• One of the following criteria is required for this role: State Tested Nursing Aide Training; Acute Medical Surgical Training or Hospital Specific Training.
• If candidates do not have either of the initial two requirements, the candidate must successfully complete the UC Health competency training for PCA’s and additional orientation before being permitted to care for patients.

Responsibilities

• PATIENT POPULATION:
• Engages in population appropriate communication.
• Has knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks.
• Gives clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment.
• Involves family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient.
• Identifies any physical limitations of the patient and deploys intervention when necessary.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems.
• Interprets population related data and plans care appropriately.
• Identifies and responds appropriately to different needs resulting from, unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms.
• Performs treatments, administers medication or operates equipment safely.
• Recognizes and responds to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.

Communication

• Communicates patient observations to RN timely and appropriately.
• Orients patients and visitors to room and unit and updates the white boards appropriately.
• Records measurements and patient data.
• Documents treatments and procedures performed.
• Responds to and utilizes nurse call system.
• Retrieves information from the computer.

Environment

• Facilitates the maintenance of a clean, safe and organized environment for patients and coworkers.
• Removes equipment when no longer in use to appropriate area for cleaning.
• Re-orders and stocks materials as necessary.
• Reports maintenance issues.

Teamwork

• Participates in patient admission, transfer and discharge.
• Demonstrates helpfulness, cooperation and respect for team members in pursuit of unprecedented patient care.

Other duties as delegated

• Safety Measures:
• Ensures call lights are within reach of patients.
• Answers call lights promptly.
• Ensures placement of patient identification bands.
• Ensures that side rails and restraints are applied for patient safety and per policy.
• Uses proper body mechanics and universal precautions.