Patient Care Assistant – Pre-Op​/Pacu

Overview

Patient Care Assistant – Pre-Op/PACU
; Reports to:
Director of Nursing/Pre-Op/PACU Manager
; Department:
Nursing
; Status:
Non-Exempt
; Pay Range: $20-30/hour;
Shift: 10:00AM to 6:30PM

Position descriptions may be revised in writing to add or delete duties at any time at the discretion of management.

Under the direction of a registered/licensed nurse (RN), the Patient Care Assistant is a member of the interdisciplinary health care team assisting in clinical support functions to promote a safe, compassionate patient care environment.

As a representative of NEBSC, all comments, attitudes, actions and behaviors have a direct effect on the Facility’s image and perceptions of quality service. Interaction with patients, families, physicians, referral sources, affiliating schools, visitors, volunteers, co-workers, supervisors, vendors, etc. must be in a manner that is friendly, supportive, courteous, respectful, cooperative, and professional. This behavior should promote an atmosphere of teamwork which is congruent with Facility standards and guidelines to promote positive relations.

High school diploma, GED or equivalent required unless a candidate holds a nursing assistant certification. Experience/Certification and/or training in clinical patient care preferred.

• Ability to correlate clinical data with patient’s medical and nursing care.
• Ability to set priorities.
• Ability to take direction from others.
• Ability to communicate well with Physicians, Patients, Co-workers, etc. and provide information that is clear, concise and promotes efficiency on the unit.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility with assignments and schedule.
• Conducts tasks with efficiency and professionalism.
• Maintain positive interpersonal communication between staff.
• Monitor and supply the pre-operative areas for patient OR attire, extra linens (i.e. sheets, pillowcases, warm blankets), and other items needed for patient use.
• Greet patients using customer-friendly approach pre-operatively and help with the admitting process (checking Vital Signs, Glucometer Tests and HCG Tests as needed) under NEBSC Policy and the direction of the Pre-op Nurse.
• Help with continuous patient flow by providing pre-op area with clean made-up stretchers and/or moveable recliners, as necessary.
• Communicates pertinent general information to nursing staff as indicated (i.e. surgeon and/or anesthesia arrival, etc.).
• Assists PACU staff by retrieving Patient’s belongings, nourishment for patients (i.e. crackers, water, soft drinks, etc.) at appropriate times under the direct supervision and/or instruction of the staff RN.
• Assist RN with recording vital signs and post-op ambulation as needed.
• Assist patients with changing into their street clothes prior to discharge.
• Assist with patient transport via wheelchair upon discharge from PACU and under supervision of the RN.
• Stock storage and patient care area with appropriate supplies.
• Assist with removal of dirty linens, placing trash in appropriate receptacles, straighten PACU patient care areas, restock supplies as needed, and clean stretchers with facility-approved agents and remake with clean linens after each use.
• Alert nurses of any changes in patient monitoring (EKG rhythm, rate, oxygen saturation, and BP alarms).
• Other duties as assigned

• Completes any required documentation to ensure the availability of accurate and up to date information in accordance with established standards.
• Adheres to established surgery center safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Demonstrates the competent usage of proper body mechanics in all activities.
• Identifies potentially unsafe situations and notifies supervisor.
• Completes all employee/patient incident documentation in a thorough and timely manner, as required by facility policy.
• Demonstrates complete understanding of established emergency procedures.
• Practices infection control and standard precautions as instructed or trained.
• Regularly maintains work area and equipment in a pristine manner.
• Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery and follows…