Job Details

Patient Care Associate

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for patient related clerical activities, unit clerical duties, computerized order entry procedures, and other unit activities, as applicable. The PCA must be able to provide and understand the specific communication needs of patients, families, and visitors. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the PCA provides focused non-licensed clinical care for patients throughout the age continuum including phlebotomy, basic nursing skills, etc., and environmental assistance to facilitate quality service and improve patient outcomes. The PCA will document and communicate with team members in a timely manner the patient progress, needs and problems. Collaborates with Leadership in developing and implementing the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare Systems, Mission, and Goals.

Basic Computer Skills

Assists patients with activities of daily living in a safe, timely and courteous manner

Performs personal hygiene care with respect to privacy, dignity and needs of the patient

Offers back rubs, prepares for meal times and sleep hours

Delivers meals/snacks and water in a timely manner

Performs vital signs, weights/heights, intakes and outputs with accuracy and within established time frame and/or as requested.

Documents written and verbal communication, which is timely and effective, communicates changes in patient status, actual and potential needs of patient/families/visitors to registered nurse.

Provides care relative to the age-specific needs of the patient on the unit by demonstrating knowledge of the principles of growth and development

Knowledgeable in use of and response to Code Alert/ Facility Alerts

Identifies areas for improvement and seeks ways to work on self-defined weaknesses

Remains committed to unit, department and division goals

Attends continuing education classes for improvement offered at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

Reports risk management concerns to appropriate person

Adheres to proper chain of command.

Hourly Rounds

Bedside Shift Report

Further details on activities of daily living, hygiene care, unit activities, and procedures below:

Bathing

Shower

Bed

Personal Hygiene

Incontinent Care

Mouth Care

Nail Care

Bed Making

Care of Dentures

Hair Care

Personal Care

Back rubs

Call lights within reach

Side rails up/bed low position

Anticipates needs

Prepares patients for meals

Delivers and collects meal trays

Assists with feedings

Provides fresh water and nourishments

Unit Activities

Puts supplies away

Keeps refrigerator clean and organized and ensures all contents are within current date of use.

Straightens, tidies and organizes clean/dirty utility rooms

Performs other activities as assigned.

Special Procedures

Applies, removes and records as directed non-sterile heat and cold therapy.

Assists with admissions, discharges, transferring and placing patients.

Empty drainage devices

Foley bags

Ostomy bags

Oral/NG suction catheter

Records and advises nurse of findings

Collects as directed and records routine non-sterile specimens.

Urine

Feces

Sputum

Performs and records peri and Foley catheter care as directed

Measures and records PO intake and output

Takes and records height and weight as directed

Performs as directed turning, positioning, coughing and deep breathing patients.

With proven competency, performs other functions for particular specialty areas (enemas, placement of monitoring leads, documentation).

Other Duties as Assigned