PCA

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the LPN and Director of The Ridgemont, performs a variety of direct resident care activities in order to provide optimal resident comfort, safety, and companionship.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

*          Assists residents in their personal care by providing direction and assistance with grooming, including hair care, shaving, ordinary care of nails, teeth and mouth, dressing, bathing, toileting, transferring, ambulation and dining.

*          Serves meals to residents and assists residents to and from the dining room and activities as needed.

*          Provides personal linen/laundry services to the residents of The Ridgemont.

*          Ensures resident security after hours by conducting regular Ridgemont walk through.

*          Answers and responds to resident emergency call system promptly and relays all pertinent             information to the LPN or Director and awaits instructions.

*          Observes resident’s physical appearance, attitude, response to medications and treatments,             appetite, etc. and reports observations to a LPN or Director.

*          Accurately documents all resident care data as necessary.

*          Performs other duties as assigned to support the achievement of departmental and community goals and objectives.

*          Seeks out and maintains ongoing positive relationships with residents by greeting residents by name, talking with residents on an informal basis, soliciting feedback regarding services and programs and responding to particular requests.

*          Maintain a positive working attitude and work as a team with fellow employees.

PROBLEM-SOLVING:

The PCA uses judgement to assess resident related situations and assists residents or consults an LPN or Director as required.   The variety of tasks to be performed requires the PCA to prioritize duties to ensure the most important duties are accomplished in a timely manner. The PCA reports all hazardous situations, broken equipment, or unusual resident observations to an LPN or Director of The Ridgemont. Failure to follow prescribed procedures, may affect resident safety and satisfaction.

DECISION-MAKING:

The PCA works under general supervision to complete varied assignments using standard procedures.  The PCA follows all community policies and procedures.   Supervision is consulted if questions arise regarding appropriate techniques or unusual resident conditions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

PHYSICAL - Mobility is necessary in order to monitor and administer resident care.  Manual dexterity is used to assess resident condition, retrieve supplies, or perform prescribed treatments.  Physical effort is required, often on a daily basis, to lift, push, and pull residents while assisting with the normal activities of daily living. Hearing within normal range is needed to determine blood pressure.

MENTAL/VISUAL - Concentration, attention to detail, and corrected vision are needed to prepare charts, assess resident’s condition, and administer treatment to resident.

ENVIRONMENTAL - The PCA is exposed to chemicals and fumes associated with       disinfectants used to clean residents’ rooms. Exposure to body fluids and odors relating to         secretions or wastes. Possible exposure to infectious diseases.

EQUIPMENT - Use of a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to monitor vital signs, standard office equipment, including phone, fax, and copy machine, physician scales, washer, dryer, emergency call system (computer), whirlpool tub, and etc.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

The PCA has daily contact with residents, family members, and visitors.  The PCA also has daily contact with coworkers in order to provide optimal resident care.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

-           Reading, writing, and basic mathematical skills and the ability to receive and transmit basic             information acquired through a high school level education, or equivalent.

-           Must possess and retain current CPR certification.

-           Effective interpersonal communication skills in order to cooperatively interact with residents, family members, visitors, and staff.

-           Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends.

-           Must pass criminal background and abuse registry checks as required by state law.

DISCLAIMER:

This description does not state or imply that the duties listed above are the only duties to be performed by the PCA.   Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related activities requested by their supervisor.

All requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical or mental disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.   Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, the residents, or other employees.