Patient Care Assistant

DCH Health System - Tuscaloosa, AL

Job Title: Patient Care Assistant

Position: Patient Care Assistant

Job Type: Full Time

Pay:

Shift:

Work Type: On-Site

Location

Address:

City: Tuscaloosa

State: AL

ZIP Code:

Job Responsibilities

Provides compassionate personal care and support services under the supervision of a registered nurse or LPN.
Collaborates with nurses, physicians and other healthcare providers to oversee and monitor patients to support healing.
Receive RN report at start of shift.
Conduct walking rounds and shift report with off-going PCA to ensure patients are clean and dry and rooms are clean.
Apply cardiac monitoring and change all cardiac monitor batteries at 7am on designated units.
Document patient bedside rounds every 2 hours during odd hours.
Conduct 4 P's on every round: Pain, Position, Potty, Perimeter.
Document patient vital signs every 4 hours or as ordered.
Perform daily glucometer QC on the night shift.
Bathe patients daily, changing procedures for patients with central lines.
Replace EKG pads (cardiac monitor) daily with baths.
Perform daily linen changes.
Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as brushing, mouth care, feeding, and toileting.
Obtain blood sugars on all diabetic patients and document.
Stock isolation caddies in halls and rooms for the next shift.
Keep patient rooms clean and free from clutter.
Empty trash from assigned rooms as needed and prior to change of shift.
Answer call lights in a timely manner.
Initiate or continue pressure ulcer bundle in consultation with RN for Braden scores.
Turn/Reposition patients every 2 hours in bed or chair.
Initiate or continue Fall Prevention protocol by consulting with Unit Secretary for Morse Scores.
Weigh all patients on admission and every Wednesday at 5am unless the patient requires daily weight.
Prepare rooms for admission with necessary items.
Update patient whiteboards daily.
Provide fresh ice at 1700/0500 for start of the next shift.
Ensure vital sign machines are wiped down and stocked for the next shift.
Assist in orientation of new staff.
Measure and record intake/output accurately.
Document care provided according to policies and procedures.
Apply safety principles when performing care such as ambulation of patients.
Participate in cost-saving utilization of supplies.
Maintain performance, patient, employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in performance evaluations.
Perform compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
Adhere to DCH Behavioral Standards by creating positive relationships with patients, families, coworkers, and self.
Perform essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
Identify and reduce unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors, and employees.
Use electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

Core Skills

Compassionate patient care
Ability to collaborate with healthcare professionals
Basic knowledge of patient monitoring and support

Preferred Skills

Previous experience in giving patient care
Completion of in-service education classes

Requirements

Experience: Approved previous experience in giving patient care or completion of in-service education classes.

Education: High school education or equivalent.

License & Certification:

BLS required or achieved within the first 90 days of employment.

Schedule:

COVID-19 Requirements: Not Specified

Benefits

Not specified

Supplemental Pay

Not specified

Special Notes

Physical presence onsite is essential.
Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking with the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals, and hazard materials.