Nursing Assistant at Beacon Health System – Elkhart, Indiana

10% Shift Differential- Premium Pay!!!

Job Title: Patient Care Assistant

Reports To: Unit Director

Position Summary

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) plays a key role in supporting the nursing staff by assisting patients with activities of daily living under the delegation of a Registered Nurse (RN). The PCA is responsible for observing and reporting patient conditions, supporting clinical care, and delivering exceptional service in alignment with Beacon’s values of Trust, Respect, Integrity, and Compassion. The PCA functions within the Relationship-Based Care model to enhance the patient and family experience and contributes to a safe, compassionate, and innovative care environment.

Beacon's Nursing Purpose

To ensure safe, compassionate, innovative, patient-centered care; promote and engage in the advancement of evidence-based nursing practice; and create a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and a healthy work environment.

Mission, Values, and Service Goals

• Mission: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.

• Values: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.

• Service Goals: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Core Responsibilities Patient Care Delivery Clinical Care

• Obtains and documents vital signs, height, weight, intake and output, blood glucose, and reports abnormalities promptly.

• Completes purposeful hourly rounding and responds promptly to call lights.

• Collects and delivers specimens; picks up and delivers blood products according to policy.

• Provides 1:1 patient care when requested.

Activities of Daily Living

• Assists with hygiene, grooming, ambulation, repositioning, mobility, and feeding as appropriate.

• Ensures patients receive the correct diet and supports nutritional needs.

• Maintains a clean and safe patient environment.

• Thoroughly documents all care provided in the electronic medical record.

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborates effectively with all members of the healthcare team.

• Provides accurate and timely shift reports.

• Participates in TeamSTEPPS huddles, briefs, and debriefs to improve communication and care outcomes.

• Responds professionally and promptly to patient, family, and team needs.

• Relays critical information to nurses, providers, directors, and departments in a timely manner.

Caring and Healing Environment

• Practices self-care through appropriate workload management, breaks, and use of vacation days.

• Manages stress constructively and models a positive attitude.

• Upholds the Code of Mutual Respect and fosters a positive unit culture.

• Aligns daily behavior and practice with organizational core values.

Leadership & Professionalism

• Accepts responsibility and accountability for resolving conflicts and reporting concerns.

• Acts as a role model and preceptor to new associates.

• Demonstrates pride in work and takes ownership of responsibilities.

• Protects patient privacy and maintains confidentiality at all times.

• Respects the dignity and rights of all patients, regardless of background or condition.

Departmental Support

• Contributes to process improvements and quality initiatives.

• Participates in councils, committees, and improvement teams.

• Completes projects and other duties as assigned.

• Monitors and stocks supplies; maintains unit cleanliness and order.

• Performs quality assurance (QA) checks as directed.

• Provides patient feedback via callbacks, leader rounds, and surveys.

Organizational Requirements

• Participates in departmental meetings; accountable for all shared information.

• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies, and employee health requirements on time.

• Maintains required certifications and licensure, including BCLS (CPR).

• Adheres to infection prevention and regulatory compliance standards.

• Maintains flexibility with scheduling; works overtime or alternate shifts as needed.

• Follows all organizational and departmental policies.

The Beacon Way – Six-Point Operating System

1. Leverage innovation everywhere

2. Cultivate human talent

3. Embrace performance improvement

4. Build greatness through accountability

5. Use information to improve and advance

6. Communicate clearly and continuously

Qualifications Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

• Minimum age: 17 years

• Preferred:

  • Previous patient care experience

  • Nurse Assistant certification

• Must obtain Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/CPR) within 3 months of hire and maintain certification

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Familiarity with hospital equipment, procedures, and safety standards

• Proficient in taking vital signs and using good body mechanics

• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills

• Adaptable and responsive to scheduling and team needs

• Demonstrates strong teamwork and customer service orientation

• Basic computer literacy for documentation and communication

Working Conditions

• May experience moderate stress due to high patient volume or acuity

• Potential exposure to infectious diseases and combative patients

• Works 8–12-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays

Physical Demands

• Must be able to:

  • Walk/stand for prolonged periods

  • Push carts or wheelchairs up to 50 lbs

  • Position/lift patients (max 35 lbs unassisted; assistance required above 35 lbs)

  • Perform CPR and other physical tasks as required