The PCA provides compassionate personal care and support services under the supervision of a registered nurse that assists the patient in the achievement of physical and emotional comfort and healing.

1. Provides all personal care services in accordance with the plan of treatment assigned by the registered nurse to              include but not limited to:
   • measure and record intake and output
   • measure and record vital signs, 02 Saturation, weight and height
   • positioning patients; lifting and turning patients
   • applying/utilizing special equipment
   • assisting in use of bedpan, urinal or commode
   • ambulating the patient
   • pre-operative and post-operative care
   • application/removal of anti-embolism stocking and SCD devices
   • perineal care; vaginal irrigations (non-sterile) and sitz baths
   • non-medicated enemas
   • application of heat and cold
   • care of the incontinent patient
   • skin care to the immobilized patient
   • emptying of colostomy bags
   • placing patients on cardiac monitors
   • feeding patients
   • collect, label, and transport lab specimens.
2. Accurately documents care provided according to policies and procedures..
3. Applies safety principles when performing care such as ambulation of patients, transferring patients, assisting with normal range of motion and positioning.
4. Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment and nursing units are maintained in a clean, safe manner. 
5. Consistently performs basic care requirements such as rounding, use of AIDET, applying the “4 Ps” (Pain,   Position, Potty, Proximity of items); prompt response to patient needs; performance of hand hygiene; use of two patient identifiers, etc.
6. Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with         PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Approved previous experience in giving patient care or completion of in-service education classes required. High school education or equivalent required.  Candidates with patient care experience, those currently enrolled in a nursing program or those with prior customer service experience are preferred. BLS required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire date. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK CONTEXT

• Includes receiving delegation, working with a team, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results.
• Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.
• Must be able to work regular assigned schedule.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Ability, activities:

• Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking. 
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Is able to push stretcher/wheelchair, turn and position adult patients weighing up to 300 pounds. 
• Is able to do frequent stooping and on occasion crouching, crawling or kneeling.
• Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction. 
• Ability to run in emergency situations.
• Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner.
• Must have ability to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips.

Requirements:

• Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.

OTHER JOB FACTORS

In addition to the job duties listed on the job description, the employee will be expected to:

1. Accurately complete swing bed ADL documentation.