The Patient Care Associate (PCA)/Student Nurse/Unit Secretary provides high quality, direct patient care to an assigned group of patients, while providing an atmosphere that supports our vision: To be our regions' most trusted partner in healthcare. This includes, but is not limited to: activities of daily living, measure and document intake and output, foley placement, telemetry monitor set up & telemetry monitoring, phlebotomy, blood glucose monitoring, oxygen set up, etc. This position may also provide clerical support to the care team including typing, word processing, transcribing physician orders, and acting as a liaison facilitating communication with or between other care providers and visitors directly or via telephone. This individual works collaboratively with other care team members including the patient and family, and participates collaboratively with RN to achieve optimal outcomes. The PCA/Student Nurse/ Unit Secretary has access to confidential patient information, must communicate with all team members regarding care provided by them to the assigned patient group and carries out daily activities under the direct supervision of a Patient Care Coordinator / Registered Nurse, RN or Assistant Nurse Manager and indirect supervision of the Nurse Manager or Director.

Duties/Responsibilities

* Delivers compassionate, respectful, high quality care and assist with activities of daily living to all assigned patients. Answers call lights in a timely manner and notifies appropriate staff.

* Timely and accurate completion of all delegated patient care procedures and treatments. Safe transportation of patients to and from unit via wheelchair and stretcher

* Professional communication of pertinent and timely information to all members of the care team, both verbally and in written form. Accurate, legible documentation of patient care activities in the patient record.

* Participates in patient care conferences as a team member.

* Interventions with patients/families of all age groups: neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.

* Provides clerical support to the care team that is accurate and error free to the patient care area, greeting and directing visitors and guest in a compassionate and respectful manner. Answers phones in a timely and friendly manner. Directs all calls appropriately.

* Accurately transcribes all physician orders. Screens physician orders for stats and urgent orders and acting upon these immediately.

* Delivery of care as defined within the scope of practice and as delegated by the Staff Nurse, RN, (this may include adherence to clinical pathways and participation in patient/family conferences).