A Patient Care Assistant (PCA) assists in direct patient care, general clerical duties and other related services as assigned under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The PCA reports to the Resource Nurse or Module Leader in the area of assignment and is accountable to the department's Nurse Leader and/or the House Supervisor on duty.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct care to the entire patient population served, which may include children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. Direct care includes meeting physical and emotional needs of all patients, family and significant others served.
• Unit-specific competencies will be achieved and maintained within a time frame as determined by the department Nurse Leader.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADL).
• Performs blood glucose monitoring through finger stick method.
• Discontinues Foley catheters.
• Discontinues IV angiocaths and saline-locks.
• Orders and stores supplies.
• Documents effectively and appropriately in the patient's electronic medical record.
• Obtains Vitals signs and reports abnormal findings to RN.
• Records I & O accurately and reports inconsistencies to RN.
• Performs chest compressions as a member of the code 100 team.
• Assists with physician order entry, scheduling procedures, and chart preparation as needed.
• Effectively documents and/or communicates all information relevant to patient care.
• Answers patients' requests promptly and responds appropriately.
• Reports observations, assessments, and changes in condition, interventions and responses to intervention in a timely manner to the RN.
• Participates in performance improvement activities for the unit and the department of nursing.
• Participates in staff orientation activities and peer support for new PCA's.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

• Required Credential(s):
  • BLS Provider credentialed from the American Heart Association (AHA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Preferred Credential(s):
  • Certified Nurse Aide credentialed from the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry.

Education:

• High School Diploma, or GED equivalent, required.