Patient Care Assistant-PICU-36hr

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse as part of an inpatient/hospital unit, performs a variety of routine direct patient care, environmental and administrative support activities to promote the health, safety and comfort of patients and families. All patient care and support activities are completed in accordance with CCMC and unit policies and procedures.
 

• Direct Patient Care - Provides direct patient care (as defined by unit) that addresses the population-specific needs of the patients on the unit.  Activities may include any of the following:  assist patient with feedings and personal care (e.g. hygiene, ambulating and activities of daily living, etc.); obtain vital signs, temperature, weight, height, head circumference or other patient data as required; obtain and test specimens (e.g. blood glucose, urine, etc.); transport patients; assist with patient admissions and discharges.  Demonstrates an awareness of safety needs and a basic knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, risk management and environment of care policies in all interactions with patients/families.  Responds with tact and discretion to the needs of patients and families, and reports needs beyond the PCA skill level to the RN. 
• Documentation - Accurately documents patient information on appropriate forms.  Demonstrates basic data entry and data retrieval competency in electronic patient records and/or patient supply systems utilized on unit.
• Unit Support Activities - Maintains appropriate inventories of unit supplies in patient rooms/bedside stands; and in treatment, utility, medication and linen rooms. Cleans, maintains and inventories unit equipment.  May perform quality control checks on equipment or supplies as directed by the RN.  Utilizes all equipment appropriately, and notifies appropriate person of equipment or facility breakdown or damage.  Assist with miscellaneous errands, and transportation of medication (including controlled substances) blood, equipment and supplies, as directed by the RN.  Assist with routine clerical tasks.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the population-specific differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.  Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers.
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the CCMC STANDARDS
   

Education and/or Experience:

• Education Required: High school diploma, GED or equivalent, or higher level of education that requires a high school diploma
• Experience Preferred:
  • Successful completion or enrollment in a Certified Nurse’s Aide training program, completion of a Medical Assistant program, or EMT certification strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of one year pediatric PCA experience preferred

License and/or Certification:

• BLS/CPR, American Heart Association, required within 2 weeks of hire and must remain current at all times. Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification by State of Connecticut preferred. 
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Knowledge of:

• Basic medical terminology preferred.
• Basic math and measurements.
• Basic understanding of organization’s environment of care and infection control policies and procedures.

Skills:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to:

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing in English demonstrating a command of basic grammar and spelling is required; ability to communicate Bilingually (Spanish/English) is preferred.
• Understand and follow specific written and verbal instructions and procedures.
• Learn and demonstrate competency in standard clinical procedures within specialty area, according to established protocols.
• Maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Learn and follow established protocols in order to initiate appropriate action in emergency/crisis situations
• Learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry/data retrieval in electronic patient records and/or patient supply systems utilized on unit.