Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.

This role is represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Health Care Associate(HCA) /Patient Care Associate (PCA) works with his/her team partner(s), the Registered Nurse and the Unit Secretary, to provide direct patient care. As a member of the Patient Care Team, the HCA/PCA is cross-trained to perform a wide range of essential patient services.

The HCA/PCA performs a variety of basic age-specific duties to assist in the care of the patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). All clinical care will be done under the direction of the RN who has determined appropriate tasks for delegation. The HCA/PCA makes observations as directed by the RN and reports deviations to the RN.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma/GED preferred
• State-tested Nurse Assistant or completion of HCA training related to acute care setting, or a Nursing Student who has completed first semester of an acute care hospital-based clinical experience. 
• BLS certified by American Heart Association

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in providing direct patient care.
• Computer literacy.
• Previous experience working in specialty area.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Follows detailed written and oral instructions.
• Completes specific, routine tasks.
• Requires basic reading, writing or simple arithmetic skills.
• May operate basic equipment/machinery.
• Basic computer skills required

PRINCIPAL JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Performs general patient care including, but not limited to: bathing, mouth care, changing linens, dressing patient, back rubs, elimination, hygiene and other needs as expressed.
• Observes patient’s responses and reports any adverse reaction or other pertinent information to Registered Nurse and Physician.
• Demonstrates competency in providing age appropriate care to defined patient populations based on unit/area’s scope of service.
• Obtains and records vital signs, height and weight.
• Lifts, ambulates and transports patient. Seeks assistance as needed.
• Positions patient and performs range of motion. Assists physical therapist as needed.
• Anticipates patient’s needs and responds in a timely manner to patient and other caregiver requests.
• Provides friendly assistance to patient’s family members and visitors strong emphasis on customer service.
• Performs venipunctures for blood collection.
• Collects specimens (i.e. urine, sputum) and ensures timely transport of specimens to the lab.
• Performs designated bedside lab tests.
• Applies oxygen therapy.
• Performs electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Performs wound care as directed by the RN.
• Performs urinary catheterizations and enemas. 
• Observes universal precautions and aseptic techniques.
• Performs computer order/entry functions as required by care center.
• Accurately charts patient information following the guidelines for charting by standards.
• Delivers menus. Prepares patient for meals, distributes food trays, feeds patient and removes trays. Distributes drinking water.
• Answers phones courteously and quickly addresses the caller’s needs.
• Initiates emergency procedures when necessary.
• Works overtime as needed.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.

Job Accountabilities – other

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Acts as a liaison and supports person for family members.
• Assists with patient education and discharge planning under supervision of RN.
• Inventories unit and determines supply needs. Conveys needs to appropriate personnel.
• Assists in daily cleaning of patient rooms and care center. Helps prepare room(s) for incoming patients.
• Assesses maintenance needs.

a. Initiates maintenance requisition to repair equipment, furniture and building fixtures.

b. Performs simple maintenance (light bulbs, batteries).

Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:
Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com