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.

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.

ALSO:

1. Accurately documents care provided according to policies and procedures..
2. Applies safety principles when performing care such as ambulation of patients, transferring patients, assisting with normal range of motion and positioning.
3. Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment and nursing units are maintained in a clean, safe manner. 
4. 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.
5. 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.