Patient Care Associate (OTxHU) - CHS

About the role

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Nurses, the Patient Care Associate will assist the professional staff by performing venipuncture, finger-sticks, HIV Pre and Post Test Counseling, and Rapid HIV Testing while responding and assisting with emergencies. The duties are assigned by and performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The Patient Care Associate may also be required to perform duties in CHS locations within the jails.

Responsibilities

• Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete)
• Assist with patient’s personal hygiene – including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc.
• Transfer patients – to other departments, in and out of bed, stretcher and wheelchair including physical and mechanical lifting
• Position patients and carry out range of motion exercises
• Assist with ambulating, toileting and all ADLs as directed
• Prepare patients for meals and assist with feedings as needed
• Assist with unit admissions and transfer of patient
• Make beds and tidy patient area for bedridden patients
• Take and document in the electronic medical records all patient’s vital signs – B/P, TPR, weights, intake and output
• Perform EKGs as required and follow outlined procedures for faxing abnormal EKGs
• Perform dry sterile dressing changes and assist with other patient treatments
• Administer hot and cold applications to patients, under supervision
• Maintain intake and output for oral and body excretions
• Notify MD/Nurse staff of any changes in patient’s status
• Perform urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization
• Chaperone staff in all clinical areas when requested
• Provide one-to-one observation
• Maintain competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical performance checklist for Nursing Assistant
• Assist with nursing follow-ups and transmit necessary information to 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 Electronic Medical Records
• Complete encounter forms every shift
• Perform HIV Pre and Post test counseling
• Perform rapid HIV test
• 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
• Perform nursing follow-up as assigned
• Assist with admission processing
• Perform venipunctures
• Assist in emergency responses
• Clean equipment, i.e., 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 area of treatment and exam rooms
• Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization
• 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
• Holds, or obtains through facility orientation, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA)

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