Patient Care Associate - Behavioral Health (As Needed Hours)

About the Role

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) supports the Behavioral Health unit, which includes Geri Psych, Crisis Adult, and Adult units. This team works with patients 18+ across various psychiatric conditions (e.g., Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Major Depression, Dementia, Eating Disorders, Psychosis) using a multi-disciplinary approach. The PCA handles clerical duties, computerized order entry, and non-licensed clinical care under a Registered Nurse’s direction, including phlebotomy and basic nursing skills. The role emphasizes timely communication, patient progress documentation, and collaboration with leadership to advance healthcare goals.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (bathing, personal hygiene, mouth/nail care, bed making, denture care, hair care, back rubs) while respecting privacy and dignity.
• Perform vital signs, weights/heights, intake/output measurements accurately and within established timeframes.
• Document and communicate patient status, needs, and changes to the registered nurse promptly.
• Provide age-specific care, demonstrating knowledge of growth and development principles.
• Respond to Code Alerts/Facility Alerts and report risk management concerns.
• Conduct hourly rounds, bedside shift reports, and anticipate patient needs (e.g., call lights, side rails, meal preparation).
• Deliver/collect meal trays, assist with feedings, and provide fresh water/nourishments.
• Maintain unit organization (supplies, refrigerators, utility rooms).
• Assist with admissions, discharges, transfers, and patient placement.
• Apply/remove non-sterile heat/cold therapy and empty drainage devices (Foley/ostomy bags, suction catheters).
• Collect and record routine non-sterile specimens (urine, feces, sputum) and perform peri/Foley catheter care as directed.
• Measure and record PO intake/output, height/weight, and assist with patient positioning, coughing, and deep breathing.
• Perform specialty-specific tasks (e.g., enemas, monitoring lead placement) with proven competency.
• Attend continuing education classes and adhere to unit/department goals and chain of command.

Requirements

• High School Graduate or equivalent (17-year-olds who will obtain a diploma/GED within six months are eligible).

Preferred Qualifications

• Hospital experience or completion of a multi-skilled technician program.
• First semester of Nursing Clinicals completed.
• Phlebotomy Certificate or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.