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, various clerical and health related duties associated with patient care (ADLs as indicated) and contributing to the safety, care and comfort of patients. The duties are assigned by and are 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 same type, area of responsibility. Patient care associates also observe their patient's mental, emotional and physical conditions and report any changes to the nursing staff.

Responsibilities:

Administers total care (bed bath, partial or complete). Assists with patient’s personal hygiene – including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc. Transfers patients – in and out of bed, stretcher and wheelchair including physical and mechanical lifting. Positions patients and carries out range of motion exercises. Assists with ambulating and all ADL as directed. Prepares patients for meals and assists with feedings as needed. Assists with unit admissions and transfer of patient. Makes beds and tidies patient area for bed ridden patients. Takes and documents in the electronic medical records all patient’s vital signs – B/P, TPR, weights, intake and output and performs EKG’s as required and follows outlined procedures for faxing abnormal EKGs. Performs dry sterile dressing changes and assists with other patient treatments. Administers hot and cold applications to patients, under supervision. Maintains intake and output for oral and body excretions. Notifies MD/Nurse Staff of any changes in patient’s status. Performs urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization. Chaperons staff in all clinical areas when requested. Maintains competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical Performance checklist for Nursing Assistant. Assist with nursing follow-ups and transmits necessary information to laboratory electronically. Anticipates and acts to maintain a safe environment. Performs job functions in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources. Must wait for relief at change of tour by staff with same title (relieving PCA) Documents all encounters in Electronic Medical Records. Completes encounter forms every shift.

Activities:

Perform HIV Pre and Post test counseling Perform rapid HIV Test Enter data in the rapid HIV database and electronic medical record Fax rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office every tour Perform Quality controls Perform EKGs and fax information Perform Nursing Follow-up as assigned Assist with New Admission processing Perform Veni-punctures

Maintenance of Unit:

Clean equipment, i.e. Thermometers, B/P machine, EKG machine, suction machine, refrigerators, and other treatment equipment Stock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery supplies Maintain cleanliness of surface area of treatment and exam rooms Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment

Human Relations Skills:

Assists other employees where needed. Is responsible and cooperative with supervisors, fellow associates, patients, visitors, and Department of Correction personnel Maintains friendly working atmosphere Maintains professional attitude Maintains professional appearance and adheres to uniform policy of the Department of Nursing Accepts constructive criticism as evidenced by appropriate changes in behavior Utilizes established channels of communication Recognizes, accepts, and respects people as individuals Recognizes limitations and seeks assistance appropriately Able to give and receive verbal and written information

Working Conditions

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/transfer patients. PCAs may face hazards from exposure to chemical and infectious diseases. In addition, they have to treat patients that are confused, irrational, agitated and/or uncooperative.

Physical Demands:

Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds. Moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to 100 pounds. Ability to stand for extended periods Fine motor skills Visual acuity