Patient Care Associate - CHS

About NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation. It comprises 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, and correctional health services. Serving over 1.4 million New Yorkers annually, the system operates in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. With a workforce of over 42,000 employees, NYC Health + Hospitals focuses on empowering New Yorkers.

CHS, a division of NYC Health + Hospitals, is a leading correctional health care system known for its quality of care and innovative approaches. It provides comprehensive in-jail services including medical, nursing, mental health, substance use treatment, social work, dental, and vision care. CHS also supports patients’ reintegration into society after release.

Work Shifts

• Facility: Various Locations on Rikers Island
• Scheduling Notes: PCAs are required to work every other weekend

Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitate telehealth encounters as needed
• Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete)
• Absorb patient’s personal hygiene, including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc.
• Transfer patients in and out of bed, stretcher, and wheelchair, including physical and mechanical lifting
• Position patients and carry out range of motion exercises
• Absorb ambulating and all ADLs as directed
• Prepare patients for meals and assist with feeding as needed
• Absorb unit admission and transfer of patient
• Make beds and tidy patient areas for bedridden patients
• Take and document in the electronic medical record all patient vital signs (B/P, TPR, weights, intake and output), perform EKGs as required, and follow outlined procedures for submitting abnormal EKGs
• Administer hot and cold applications to patients under supervision
• Maintain intake and output for oral and body excretions
• Notify MD/Nursing staff of any changes in patient status
• Perform urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization
• Chaperone staff in all clinical areas when requested
• Maintain competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical performance checklist for Nursing Assistant
• Absorb nursing follow-ups and transmit necessary information to the laboratory electronically
• Anticipate and act to maintain a safe environment
• Perform job functions in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources
• Wait for relief at change of tour by staff with same title (relieving PCA)
• Document all encounters in the electronic medical record
• Complete encounter forms every shift
• Perform dry sterile dressing changes and assist with other patient treatment

Activities

• Perform HIV Pre and Post Test Counseling
• Perform Rapid HIV Testing
• Enter data in the Rapid HIV database and electronic medical record
• Fax Rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office every tour
• Perform quality controls
• Perform EKGs and fax information
• Absorb nursing follow-up as assigned
• Absorb new admission processing
• Perform veni-puncture

Maintenance of Unit

• Clean equipment (e.g., thermometers, B/P machine, EKG machine, suction machine, refrigerators, and other treatment equipment)
• Stock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery supplies
• Maintain cleanliness of surface areas of treatment and exam rooms
• Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment

Human Relations Skills

• Assist other employees where needed
• Remain responsible and cooperative with supervisors, fellow associates, patients, visitors, and Department of Correction personnel
• Maintain a friendly working atmosphere
• Maintain a professional attitude
• Maintain professional appearance and adhere to uniform policy of the Department of Nursing
• Accept constructive criticism as evidenced by appropriate changes in behavior
• Utilize established channels of communication
• Recognize, accept, and respect people as individuals
• Recognize limitations and seek assistance appropriately
• Demonstrate ability to give and receive verbal and written information

Working Conditions

• Working hours include days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Employees are required to stand for long periods of time
• May face hazards from exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases
• May treat patients who are confused, irrational, agitated, and/or uncooperative

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds; moving, lifting, or transferring patients may involve up to 100 pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Fine motor skills
• Visual acuity

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization; and
• Successful completion of training courses including the performance of phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG), or completion of a training program or programs that include the performance of phlebotomy and EKG, such as Phlebotomy Technician and EKG Technician training programs, a Patient Care training program, or a Medical Assistant training program; and
• Holds, or obtains through facility orientation, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).

Special Note

In addition to meeting the qualifications above, assignment to a long-term care facility requires New York State Nurse’s Aide certification.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• College Savings Program
• Union Benefits for eligible titles
• Multiple employee discounts programs
• Commuter Benefits Programs

How To Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply for Job" button.