Patient Care Specialist

Job Description

Patient Care Specialist | St. Mary’s Medical Center

The Tone:
This is a role at St. Mary’s Medical Center. The Medical Center is a healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and effective patient care across all age groups, from neonates to geriatrics. This vital Patient Care Specialist position directly supports registered nurses by assisting with a broad range of clinical and direct patient care activities. The role is integral to maintaining Medical Center policies and procedures, ensuring a compassionate and supportive environment for all patients.

The TL;DR
• Role: Patient Care Specialist
• Team: Operates under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse.
• Mission: To contribute significantly to the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective care for patients across all age groups.
• Tech Stack: Electronic medical record (EMR)

What You’ll Actually Do
• Clinical Support: Provide direct clinical support by expertly performing diagnostic tests such as 12-lead EKGs, accurately recognizing tracings, and promptly reporting abnormalities to the Charge Nurse. Additionally, collect blood samples using appropriate venipuncture or skin puncture techniques, measure and meticulously record vital signs, and provide basic respiratory support, always escalating critical observations to the nursing staff immediately.
• Patient Care: Deliver essential direct patient care designed to meet the physical, spiritual, and psychological needs of patients across all age groups, from neonates to geriatrics. This includes assisting with crucial Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like hygiene, grooming, dressing, and mobility, supporting patient nutrition through meal assistance and feeding, and conducting basic skin care monitoring with prompt reporting of any changes.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR), meticulously recording patient intake and output, charting patient progress, and thoroughly describing care provided. Observe patients closely and report all pertinent information, changes in patient condition, and patient responses to care to the Patient Care Nurse or Charge Nurse.
• Safety & Communication: Ensure a safe patient environment by strictly adhering to all standard safety precautions and protocols, including fall prevention and infection control measures. Communicate effectively, professionally, and empathetically with patients and their families, providing clear explanations prior to procedures. Foster collaborative working relationships with colleagues and maintain strict confidentiality of all patient and medical information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Operational Contribution: Actively contribute to operational excellence and continuous improvement by cleaning equipment using approved solutions, reporting for duty punctually and reliably, and participating in continuous professional development through in-service programs and workshops. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of unit-specific equipment and procedures, and contribute to ongoing performance improvement activities.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Core domain knowledge in assisting with a broad range of patient care activities under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse.
• Experience: Proficiency in performing 12-lead EKGs, collecting blood samples via venipuncture or skin puncture, measuring and recording vital signs, and assisting patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Skills: EKG performance and recognition, venipuncture and skin puncture, vital sign measurement, EMR documentation, patient safety and confidentiality.