The Patient Care Associate, under the direction of a licensed nurse or other medical staff in the health care setting, assists the professional staff by performing veni-puncture, finger-sticks, HIV Pre and Post Test Counseling, Rapid HIV Testing, responding and assisting with emergencies, facilitating telehealth encounters, and various clerical and health-related duties associated with patient care (ADLs as indicated), contributing to the safety, care, and comfort of patients.
Duties are assigned by and performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The Patient Care Associate may be required to perform the duties listed below and other duties involving the same type and area of responsibility. Patient care associates also observe their patient’s mental, emotional, and physical conditions and report any changes to the nursing staff.
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Facilitate telehealth encounters as needed
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Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete)
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Assist with patient’s personal hygiene, including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc.
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Transfer patients in and out of bed, stretcher, and wheelchair, including physical and mechanical lifting
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Position patients and carry out range of motion exercises
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Assist with ambulating and all ADLs as directed
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Prepare patients for meals and assist with feeding as needed
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Assist with unit admission and transfer of patient
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Make beds and tidy patient areas for bedridden patients
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Take and document in the electronic medical record all patient vital signs (B/P, TPR, weights, intake and output), perform EKGs as required, and follow outlined procedures for submitting abnormal EKGs
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Administer hot and cold applications to patients under supervision
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Maintain intake and output for oral and body excretions
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Notify MD/Nursing staff of any changes in patient status
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Perform urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization
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Chaperone staff in all clinical areas when requested
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Maintain competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical performance checklist for Nursing Assistant
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Assist with nursing follow-ups and transmit necessary information to the laboratory electronically
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Anticipate and act to maintain a safe environment
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Perform job functions in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources
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Wait for relief at change of tour by staff with same title (relieving PCA)
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Document all encounters in the electronic medical record
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Complete encounter forms every shift
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Perform dry sterile dressing changes and assist with other patient treatment
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Perform HIV Pre and Post Test Counseling
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Perform Rapid HIV Testing
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Enter data in the Rapid HIV database and electronic medical record
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Fax Rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office every tour
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Perform quality controls
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Perform EKGs and fax information
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Perform nursing follow-up as assigned
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Assist with new admission processing
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Perform veni-puncture
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Clean equipment (e.g., thermometers, B/P machine, EKG machine, suction machine, refrigerators, and other treatment equipment)
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Stock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery supplies
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Maintain cleanliness of surface areas of treatment and exam rooms
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Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment
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Assist other employees where needed
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Remain responsible and cooperative with supervisors, fellow associates, patients, visitors, and Department of Correction personnel
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Maintain a friendly working atmosphere
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Maintain a professional attitude
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Maintain professional appearance and adhere to uniform policy of the Department of Nursing
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Accept constructive criticism as evidenced by appropriate changes in behavior
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Utilize established channels of communication
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Recognize, accept, and respect people as individuals
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Recognize limitations and seek assistance appropriately
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Demonstrate ability to give and receive verbal and written information
Because patients require round-the-clock care, working hours include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. PCAs are required to stand for long periods of time. Employees are encouraged to safely move patients and use alternative methods whenever possible; alternative methods include requesting assistance to roll, lift, or transfer patients.
PCAs may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases. In addition, they may treat patients who are confused, irrational, agitated, and/or uncooperative.
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Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds; moving, lifting, or transferring patients may involve up to 100 pounds
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Ability to stand for extended periods
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Fine motor skills
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Visual acuity
