Patient Care Assistant

Roles and responsibilities

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA), under the direction of a licensed care giver, and after education and demonstration of competency, performs a variety of clinical and non-clinical tasks specific to the unit/needs of the patient population. S/He maintains competency skills including the ability to provide care to special patient populations and patients with diverse cultural backgrounds. S/He can identify safety concerns in the age-related population, report finding to registered nurse, institute additional measures to provide a safe environment, and identify developmental milestones in the age-related population.

Job Responsibilities 1

Identifies physical, emotional, and social needs of patients and reports findings to the registered nurse.

Participates in the implementation of patient care and contributes to the plan under the supervision of the registered nurse.

Assists with the collection of lab specimens.

Present for the safety and comfort of patients, families, and significant others.

Reduces the risk of health care acquired infection by complying with current standard precaution guidelines and isolation policy.

Communicates patient’s needs to nurses and doctors as appropriate.

Prepares patients for procedures as directed by the registered nurse or physician and prepares patient rooms and stretchers as necessary and required.

Provides therapeutic communication, re-direction, reality orientation, effective motivation of patients to participate in activities and adequate observations to assure safety.

Takes responsibility for reporting problems and/or patient complaints.

Provides patient safety and comfort by utilizing resources and materials to safely transport patients using age-appropriate methods and equipment, answer patients’ requests, and report observations of the patient to charge nurse or RN.

Ensures environmental cleanliness in patient rooms and patient care areas.

Accompanies patients for any tests/procedures if necessary.

Assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) if required.

Assists patient mobilization and out of stretcher activities if required.

Participates in all initiatives that assist in reducing the risk of patient harm by following safety precautions.

Desired candidate profile

1. Patient Assistance and Comfort

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
• Help patients with mobility, including transferring them from beds to chairs, walking, or repositioning.
• Ensure patient comfort by adjusting bedding, monitoring room temperature, and providing additional support as needed.
• Offer companionship to patients, especially those who may be isolated or experiencing emotional distress.

2. Monitoring Patient Vital Signs

• Take and record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and oxygen levels.
• Observe and report any changes in the patient's condition, alerting nurses or physicians to concerns.
• Help monitor patients' health by documenting observations in patient records.

3. Patient Hygiene and Cleanliness

• Assist with personal hygiene tasks such as brushing teeth, washing face, and assisting with oral care.
• Ensure that the patient’s environment is clean, safe, and well-maintained.
• Help with feeding patients and ensure that food and fluids are appropriately provided.

4. Assisting with Medical Procedures

• Assist nursing staff with basic medical procedures under supervision, such as wound dressing or catheter care.
• Ensure that patients are prepared for medical exams or tests.
• Support the administration of medication, including helping patients take prescribed oral medications or applying topical treatments under supervision.