PCA Float Pool - BWFH

Summary

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 Patient Care Assistant 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.

In addition, the PCA II is responsible for responding to the needs of patients and family members and taking an active role in the efficient operation of the unit. The PCA II will also assure the practice of the Patient and Family Centered Care Model in an environment that exemplifies best practice. Does this position require Patient Care? Yes.

• Anticipates and identifies patient safety risks, in cooperation with licensed nurse and takes appropriate action to reduce and/or eliminate the risks. For example: maintains proper bed height, uses side rails and alarms appropriately, places call light within patient reach, provides frequent patient checks and assists 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.

• Maintains and promotes an atmosphere which 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 demonstrates respect for 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 takes appropriate steps to resolve interpersonal conflicts. Seeks assistance from RN, Nursing Director or Nursing Supervisor, as needed.
• Dresses appropriately and according to dress code requirements, including wearing visible hospital I.D. badge that identifies self, as a Patient Care Assistant.

• Efficiently organizes time and prioritizes patient care needs. Works with other patient care assistants, when possible to facilitate patient care.
• Provides assistance to co-workers, as requested.
• Adapts to changing patient and unit needs including but not limited to: offering assistance to other team members, floating, adjusting assignments, etc.
• Communicates with Charge Nurse/Nursing Supervisor to coordinate break periods with unit activities. Maintains visibility on the unit and does not leave work area, without appropriate notification to the Charge Nurse/Staff Nurse.

• Reviews and is knowledgeable of appropriate policies, procedures and work rules.
• Demonstrates an understanding of 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 throughout the shift, regarding patient condition including, the status of completing delegated tasks. Recognizes and notifies RN immediately of any significant change in a patient's condition and/or monitoring alarms (for example: change in vital signs, change in patient's mental status, complaints of 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, other) and complies with hospital documentation standards to ensure a complete and accurate patient record.