Patient Care Assistant BCBWH

Overview

The Patient Care Assistant II functions as a member of the patient care team, under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN), and proficiently and consistently performs all aspects of the PCA role. The PCA II is responsible for supporting the RN with clinical tasks, including but not limited to blood glucose monitoring, completing EKGs, applying simple dressings, using aseptic technique and responding to medical emergency situations utilizing Heartsaver CPR and AED skills.

The PCA II responds to the needs of patients and family members and takes an active role in the efficient operation of the unit. The PCA II upholds the Patient and Family Centered Care Model in an environment that exemplifies best practice.

• PROVISION OF A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
  • Anticipates and identifies patient safety risks, in cooperation with licensed nurse, and takes appropriate action to reduce and/or eliminate the risks (e.g., maintaining proper bed height, using side rails and alarms appropriately, placing call light within patient reach, providing frequent patient checks and assisting patient with ambulation as indicated).
  • Makes routine patient room rounds to address patient needs.
  • Follows and maintains restraint policies under the supervision of a licensed nurse; before utilizing any restraints, checks with the licensed nurse.
  • Provides 1:1 monitoring as a patient observer for patients at risk for injury.
  • Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
  • Utilizes proper body mechanics in moving and assisting patients to prevent personal injury.
• ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS
  • Maintains and promotes an atmosphere that reflects the mission and values of the organization.
  • Respects and supports a culturally diverse staff and patient population.
  • Delivers care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to and respectful of patient diversity.
  • Respects and maintains the confidentiality and privacy of patient, employee, and hospital information at all times.
  • Works cooperatively with all staff members and resolves interpersonal conflicts; seeks assistance from RN, Nursing Director, or Nursing Supervisor as needed.
  • Dresses appropriately and wears a visible hospital I.D. badge identifying self as a Patient Care Assistant.
• MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES
  • Organizes time efficiently and prioritizes patient care needs; works with other PCAs when possible to facilitate patient care.
  • Provides assistance to co-workers as requested.
  • Adapts to changing patient and unit needs, including offering assistance to other team members, floating, and adjusting assignments.
  • Communicates with Charge Nurse/Nursing Supervisor to coordinate break periods with unit activities; maintains visibility on the unit and does not leave the work area without appropriate notification to the Charge Nurse/Staff Nurse.
• MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION
  • Reviews and is knowledgeable of appropriate policies, procedures, and work rules.
  • Understands hospital emergency codes and how to call a code.
  • Utilizes hospital e-mail to access staff meeting minutes, notices, and memos.
  • Reads and reviews meeting minutes and clinical updates; participates in staff meetings and appropriate in-services.
  • Maintains timely ongoing verbal communication with RN regarding patient condition and status of delegated tasks; notifies RN immediately of significant changes in a patient’s condition or monitoring alarms (e.g., vital signs changes, changes in mental status, pain, abnormal blood sugar, patient fall or other injury, patient concerns with care).
  • Accurately collects and records patient data (vital signs, intake and output, blood sugar, weights, restraint care/monitoring, etc.) and complies with hospital documentation standards to ensure a complete and accurate patient record.
• COLLABORATIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY
• Maintains and fosters a teamwork approach to patient care.
• PATIENT/FAMILY EDUCATION
  • Addresses patient comfort and information needs by providing informative, nonclinical information to patients and families; orients patients/visitors to the hospital, unit, patient room services; distributes patient mail/flowers; assists with room setup to ensure necessary personal care…