Health Care Associate (HCA) - Progressive Care Unit (PIC) - St. Joseph Hospital

Health Care Associate/Patient Care Associate

The Health Care Associate (HCA) /Patient Care Associate (PCA) works with his/her team partner(s), the Registered Nurse and the Unit Secretary, to provide direct patient care. As a member of the Patient Care Team, the HCA/PCA is cross-trained to perform a wide range of essential patient services.

The HCA/PCA performs a variety of basic age-specific duties to assist in the care of the patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). All clinical care will be done under the direction of the RN who has determined appropriate tasks for delegation. The HCA/PCA makes observations as directed by the RN and reports deviations to the RN.

Work Shift/Schedule * Full Time - Scheduled for 36 hrs/week Days * Shift - 6:00am - 6:30pm * This position will have scheduled shifts every other weekend and every other holiday

Education

High School Diploma/GED preferred

State-tested Nurse Assistant or completion of HCA training related to acute care setting, or a Nursing Student who has completed first semester of an acute care hospital-based clinical experience or has at least 1 year of Aide experience in a clinical setting (ex: hospital or nursing home).

BLS certified by American Heart Association

Experience

Experience in providing direct patient care.

Computer literacy.

Previous experience working in specialty area.

Knowledge and Skills

Follows detailed written and oral instructions.

Completes specific, routine tasks.

Requires basic reading, writing or simple arithmetic skills.

May operate basic equipment/machinery.

Basic computer skills required

Principal Job Accountabilities

Performs general patient care including, but not limited to: bathing, mouth care, changing linens, dressing patient, back rubs, elimination, hygiene and other needs as expressed.

Observes patient's responses and reports any adverse reaction or other pertinent information to Registered Nurse and Physician.

Demonstrates competency in providing age appropriate care to defined patient populations based on unit/area's scope of service.

Obtains and records vital signs, height and weight.

Lifts, ambulates and transports patient. Seeks assistance as needed.

Positions patient and performs range of motion. Assists physical therapist as needed.

Anticipates patient's needs and responds in a timely manner to patient and other caregiver requests.

Provides friendly assistance to patient's family members and visitors strong emphasis on customer service.

Performs venipunctures for blood collection.

Collects specimens (i.e. urine, sputum) and ensures timely transport of specimens to the lab.

Performs designated bedside lab tests.

Applies oxygen therapy.

Performs electrocardiogram (ECG).

Performs wound care as directed by the RN.

Performs urinary catheterizations and enemas.

Observes universal precautions and aseptic techniques.

Performs computer order/entry functions as required by care center.

Accurately charts patient information following the guidelines for charting by standards.

Delivers menus. Prepares patient for meals, distributes food trays, feeds patient and removes trays. Distributes drinking water.

Answers phones courteously and quickly addresses the caller's needs.

Initiates emergency procedures when necessary.

Works overtime as needed.

Assists in orientation of new personnel.

Job Accountabilities – Other

Performs other duties as assigned.

Acts as a liaison and support person for family members.

Assists with patient education and discharge planning under supervision of RN.

Inventories unit and determines supply needs. Conveys needs to appropriate personnel.

Assists in daily cleaning of patient rooms and care center. Helps prepare room(s) for incoming patients.

Assesses maintenance needs.

a. Initiates maintenance requisition to repair equipment, furniture and building fixtures.

b. Performs simple maintenance (light bulbs, batteries).

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being – personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer • Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible) • Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts • Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders • Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.