East PCA - D​/E

Overview

The Patient Care Assistant II functions as a member of the patient care team, under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN), and proficiently and consistently performs all aspects of the PCA role. The PCA II is responsible for supporting the RN with clinical tasks, including but not limited to blood glucose monitoring, completing EKGs, applying simple dressings, using aseptic technique and responding to medical emergency situations utilizing Heartsaver CPR and AED skills.

The PCA II responds to the needs of patients and family members and takes an active role in the efficient operation of the unit. The PCA II assures the practice of the Patient and Family Centered Care Model in an environment that exemplifies best practice.

• PROVISION OF A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
• Anticipates and identifies patient safety risks, in cooperation with licensed nurse, and takes action to reduce/eliminate risks (e.g., maintain proper bed height, use side rails and alarms appropriately, place call light within reach, provide frequent patient checks and assist ambulation as indicated).
• Makes routine patient room rounds to address patient needs.
• Follows and maintains restraint policies, under supervision of a licensed nurse. Before utilizing any restraints, checks with the licensed nurse.
• Provides 1:1 monitoring as a patient observer for patients at risk for injury.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics when moving/assisting patients to prevent personal injury.
• ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS
• Maintains and promotes an atmosphere reflecting the mission and values of the organization.
• Respects and supports a culturally diverse staff and patient population.
• Delivers care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner respectful of patient diversity.
• Respects and maintains confidentiality of patient, employee and hospital information.
• Works cooperatively with all staff; seeks assistance from RN, Nursing Director or Nursing Supervisor as needed.
• Dresses appropriately with visible hospital I.D. badge identifying self as a Patient Care Assistant.
• MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES
• Organizes time and prioritizes patient care needs; collaborates with other PCAs when possible.
• Provides assistance to co-workers as requested.
• Adapts to changing patient/unit needs (e.g., offering help to team members, floating, adjusting assignments).
• Communicates with Charge Nurse/Nursing Supervisor to coordinate break periods and maintains visibility on the unit.

• MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION
• Reviews and is knowledgeable of applicable policies, procedures and work rules.
• Understands hospital emergency codes and how to call a code.
• Uses hospital e-mail to access staff meeting minutes, notices and memos.
• Reads and reviews meeting minutes and clinical updates; participates in staff meetings and appropriate in-services.
• Maintains timely verbal communication with RN regarding patient condition and status of delegated tasks; notifies RN of significant changes in a patient’s condition or monitoring alarms.
• Accurately collects and records patient data (vital signs, intake/output, blood glucose, weights, restraint care/monitoring, etc.) and adheres to documentation standards.

• COLLABORATIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY
• Maintains and fosters a teamwork approach to patient care.

• PATIENT/FAMILY EDUCATION
• Addresses patient comfort and information needs; orients patients/visitors to the hospital, unit and services; distributes patient mail/flowers; arranges room for necessary personal care items; distributes nourishments; changes linens and clothing; attends to call lights; runs errands as assigned by the RN.
• Reinforces patient education provided by the licensed nurse and delivers basic care instructions (e.g., call light use, positioning, transferring, walking, toileting and feeding).

• COMPETENCY
• Complies with practice standards, policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and regulations (e.g., DPH, JCAHO, Boston fire codes, OSHA).
• Maintains competence in technical skills (external monitors, CPM machine, EKGs, blood glucose monitoring, simple dressings, Heartsaver CPR and AED).
• Assists in the orientation of new PCAs and serves as a resource…