The patient care assistant functions as an assistant to the registered nurse by performing routine procedures under his or her supervision. The PCA provides nursing support to achieve the organization's mission of excellent patient care and nursing's vision of setting a new standard of excellence in autonomous and accountable nursing practice committed to patient advocacy and innovative patient care in a climate of trust and collaboration.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Licensed EMT or paramedic; or
• Certified nursing assistant (CNA) with high school diploma or equivalent with one (1) year of patient care experience in a clinical setting preferred; or
• Nursing student currently enrolled in an approved program for preparation of either professional nurses or licensed practical nurses — upon successful completion of the didactic and clinical portion of a nursing fundamental course work; or
• Current employees who have completed an approved professional nursing or licensed practical nursing program and are awaiting NCLEX authorization to test (up to 90 days post-graduation); or
• Current employees who have completed an approved professional nursing or licensed practical nursing program and have been unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX examination (up to 6 months post initial authorization to test); or
• Junior and senior high school students attending a state-approved CNA training program who are CNAs and have a recommendation from the instructor.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

• Certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification required for those not currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a nursing program.