Responsibilities

The PCA I will be responsible for assisting in meeting age-specific (neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, geriatric) patients' needs in the areas of comfort, activities of daily living, clinical procedures as delineated, transporting and safety needs. The PCA I will communicate with team members in a timely manner about his/her observations of the patient's progress, needs and problems. Embraces shared governance nursing organizational principles by being aware of nursing council activities so that outcome, goals and objectives of nursing are achieved. Is responsible for cleaning and checking instruments, assembling instrument sets, and assembling items as identified for procedures, maintaining stock control of supplies, courier duties, patient transport, and direct patient care activities under the supervision of licensed personnel (shave preps, positioning, and holding extremities). May be asked to return carts or kits containing medication to the appropriate location. Responsible for general housekeeping duties in the OR/Procedures suite and surrounding areas. Maintains established departmental/hospital policies, procedure, objectives, Performance Improvement and Patient Safety, and infection control. Works as a member of a unit based, multi-disciplinary patient care team. Accountability will be monitored through direct observation, financial goal achievement, performance improvement activities, and patient outcomes. The provision of nursing care will be provided in an environment that embraces maximum participation by the staff.

Qualifications

EducationAbility to read, write, perform simple mathematical calculations and follow written and verbal instructions. High School diploma/GED required or equivalent skills as demonstrated through testing.Licensure/CertificationCPR, Family & Friends preferred, must acquire certification within orientation period, and maintain.ExperienceDirect patient care experience preferred such as Nursing Assistant, Jr. Snap Dietetics Representative, Physical Therapy Aide, Phlebotomist, EKG Technician, etc.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesBasic knowledge of growth and development relevant to the ages of the patients served. Basic knowledge of the diseases and health care needs of the patient population served. Ability to think critically and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities. High level of interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with patients, families, visitors, team members, physicians and other hospital personnel with whom daily interactions must take place. High level of interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively as a team member on a team with varying levels of health care workers Problem solving skills sufficient to allow effective problem/conflict resolution. Demonstrated traits on initiative and dependability required. Ability to perform efficiently and effectively under stress. Philosophy of health care service is compatible with that of the mission of University Hospital. Basic level of analytical ability required in order to mix and test solutions, etc.Physical DemandsStanding for long periods of time (8 to 12 hours) Walking for long periods of time (8 to 12 hours) to include moving about the work area, hospital and/or campus as needed Sitting for extended periods (8 to 12 hours) Must be able to bend, stoop and reach/lift above your head Sight: must be able to read documentation in a variety of formats such as items in print or electronically. For Health Care Providers (HCP) must be able to visualize patient condition and see data displayed on monitoring devices, etc. Auditory: must be able to hear in order to clearly communicate with others and use communication devices such as telephones, must be able to hear patients, alarms, call bells, etc. Tactile: must have ability to handle equipment and/or devices related to job duties, enter documentation within computer system. For HCP must be able to feel for pulses, skin temperature, and other patient conditions Olfactory: HCP need to be able to smell disease-specific smells HCP should not manually lift (including transfer, reposition, or move) patients who weigh greater than 35 pounds. The appropriate safe patient handling device will be used, except in emergency situations (life or death situations where delay in obtaining and using the safe patient handling equipment may be detrimental to the patient). Refer to Policy/Procedure G-89 Proper body mechanics will be used when moving or lifting any equipment or supplies