Health Care Associate (HCA) - St. Elizabeth Youngstown An

Health Care Associate (HCA) / Patient Care Associate (PCA)

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.

Education

• High School Diploma/GED preferred
• STNA (State-tested Nurse Assistant) or completion of HCA training course with Certification related to acute care setting, or a Nursing Student who has completed first semester of an acute care hospital-based clinical experience OR 1 year of relevant experience in a clinical setting
• 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 supports 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.
• Initiates maintenance requisition to repair equipment, furniture and building fixtures.
• Performs simple maintenance (light bulbs, batteries).

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer. Many of our opportunities reward your hard work with: comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans; prescription drug coverage; flexible spending accounts; life insurance w/AD&D employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible; paid time off; educational assistance; and much more. Benefits offerings vary according to employment status.