E.D. Tech at Beacon Health System – Elkhart, Indiana

Job Title: Patient Care Assistant Reports To:

Nursing Director or Nurse Manager

Position Summary

The Patient Care Assistant supports nursing staff in delivering safe, compassionate, patient-centered care. Under the delegation of an RN, assists patients with activities of daily living, obtains and reports vital signs, and provides exceptional service by upholding Beacon’s values of Respect, Trust, Integrity, and Compassion through relationship-based care.

Beacon Health System Nursing Purpose

To ensure safe, compassionate, innovative, patient-centered care; to promote and engage in the advancement of evidence-based nursing practice; and to 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

Key Responsibilities Patient Reception

• Represents the hospital with compassion and professionalism.

• Greets all patients and visitors warmly.

• Answers telephones courteously.

• Coordinates with the triage nurse to maintain communication with patients waiting for care.

• Acts as a liaison between patients/families and staff/physicians.

Patient Care & Safety

• Assists with activities of daily living under RN delegation.

• Obtains and reports vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate.

• Observes and reports changes in patient condition to the assigned nurse.

• Ensures patient safety and infection control in all care tasks.

• Performs procedures such as splint application, wound care, enemas, EKGs, specimen collection, and patient monitoring as directed.

• Assists with clinical setups (e.g., suturing, pelvic exams, chest tubes, lumbar punctures, eye irrigation).

• Follows infection prevention protocols and standard work practices.

Communication & Collaboration

• Keeps assigned nurse informed of patient status.

• Communicates professionally and accurately with physicians, coworkers, and interdisciplinary teams.

• Utilizes de-escalation techniques in disruptive situations; calls security as needed.

Education & Training

• Attends all required workshops, in-services, and unit meetings.

• Participates in the orientation of new staff and students.

• Completes all skills verifications, hazmat, and mandatory training.

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of department protocols and practices.

Departmental Effectiveness

• Contributes to process improvement and unit initiatives.

• Participates in projects and Care Innovation Council (EDGE Team) activities.

• Performs additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Attends and engages in departmental meetings; accountable for all shared information.

• Completes required annual education, competencies, and employee health requirements.

• Maintains current licensure/certification, including BCLS (CPR).

• Adheres to all safety, infection control, and regulatory requirements.

• Willing to work varied shifts, weekends, and overtime as required.

• Embraces Beacon’s Six-Point Operating System – The Beacon Way:

  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

• Preferred:

  • Certified EMT (First Response, Basic, Advanced, or Paramedic)

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

  • Currently enrolled in a nursing program

• BLS certification required within 3 months of hire and must be maintained

• Emergency Department or relevant healthcare experience preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

• Effective organizational and multi-tasking abilities

• Receptive to feedback and direction

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials

• Interacts with a diverse patient population

• May face challenging interactions with patients or visitors

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

Physical Demands

• Requires physical stamina to stand/walk for extended periods

• Ability to push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 lbs

• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs unassisted (team lift required above this)

• Must be physically capable of performing CPR and patient positioning tasks