Patient Care Associate - Acute Care Nursing

Position Overview

The Patient Care Associate provides basic nursing care (i.e. personal and restorative care) to patients according to predefined guidelines; a plan of care established by a Registered Nurse or LPN; and under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse or LPN. The plan of care will utilize the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control as well as the Singing River Health System Departments of Nursing Plan for Provision of Care, Treatment, and Services.

Expectation is for all performed duties to be in accordance with Singing River Health System procedures and policies, accreditation organization, and governing guidance and publications for health care employees.

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this intends to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Successful completion of Nurse Assistant/Aide program preferred.

License: N/A

Certification:
Current Certified Nursing Assistant certification recognized by the State of Mississippi Department of Health preferred. (CNA Certification required upon hire for SNF unit). Apprentices transferring to SNF will be allowed 120 days to schedule the skills exam. If not obtained within the 120 days, will be removed from the SNF unit.

Must complete and maintain BCLS certification upon hire and/or transfer. Must have de-escalation training completed by the end of position orientation (90 days); must have appropriate level of de-escalation training.

Equivalent related work experience or completion of a Nurse Aide program required.

Registered Nurse or LPN responsible for patient care management during a shift.

None.

Work is moderately active: involves sitting with frequent requirements to move about the office, move about the facility, and to travel to another facility within the SRHS service area. Work involves exerting a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work involves using many physical motions in performing daily work activities;

subject to exposure to body fluids, sputum and tissues, which may carry the hazard of infectious disease. Work involves using repetitive motions: substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers while operating a computer keyboard. Perception of sound at normal levels; close visual acuity and the ability to adjust the eye to focus between monitor and printed materials.

Must demonstrate keen mental faculties/assessment and decision-making abilities. Must demonstrate superior communication skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills. Must possess emotional stability conducive to dealing with high stress levels. Must demonstrate ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Attention to detail and ability to multi-task in complex situations is required.

Must maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships throughout SRHS and other organizations.

Must possess superior customer service skills and professional etiquette. Must possess proficiency with computer use and other office technology (keyboard proficiency), MS Outlook and Word. Must demonstrate appropriate clinical judgment and apply professional skills to a patient population of all ages.