Patient Care Associate
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Job Description
About the Company
Mercy is an organization committed to fostering professional growth and development within the healthcare sector. They offer a supportive environment that values continuous learning and career advancement, with a clear path for employees to progress from Patient Care Associate (PCA) to Patient Care Technician (PCT) and beyond, including opportunities for education assistance towards a nursing degree. Mercy also provides comprehensive benefits to its co-workers from day one, emphasizing their commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance through offerings like competitive salaries, health/dental/vision coverage, paid parental leave, 401k with employer match, and generous PTO that includes time for volunteering. They are an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, welcoming minorities, females, disabled individuals, and veterans.
Job Description: Patient Care Associate
Position: Patient Care Associate (PCA)
Department: Medical Stepdown
Shift: Full-time, 36 hours per week, day shift (6:30 AM – 7:00 PM)
Sign-on Bonus: A total of $500, paid in two installments: $250 after 3 months of employment and another $250 after 6 months of employment.
Overview:
The Patient Care Associate plays a crucial role in the individualized care of patients, working under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The primary goal of this position is to assist patients in achieving their highest possible level of wellness.
Job Duties:
Responsibilities for Patient Care Associate (PCA):
• Vital Signs: Obtain and accurately document vital signs into the electronic medical records system.
• Patient Care Needs: Assist patients with various daily care needs, including:
• Meal assistance.
• Bathing.
• Toileting.
• Ambulation (walking).
• Patient mobility and transport within the facility.
• Clerical Support: Provide clerical support duties as needed to assist the medical team.
Opportunity for Advancement to Patient Care Technician (PCT) and Beyond:
This position offers a clear career ladder for advancement to a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and further, indicating opportunities for professional growth within the organization.
Responsibilities for Patient Care Technician (PCT) (Advanced Duties):
Upon advancement and additional training, a PCT performs all PCA job duties in addition to specialized tasks such as:
• Phlebotomy/blood cultures.
• Enteral feeding administration.
• Wound care.
• IV (intravenous) and Foley (urinary catheter) removal.
• Tracheostomy care and suctioning.
Training:
Mercy provides a structured and comprehensive training program for Patient Care Associates:
• Accredited Apprenticeship Program: The PCA training program is an accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program, offering a hands-on experience to gain valuable skills and credentials.
• Required 175-Hour Training Program: If candidates do not have previous experience, Mercy provides a mandatory 175-hour training program that meets the Department of Health and Senior Services requirements. This program is integrated into the new hire orientation process and must be completed within 90 days of hire to remain in the PCA position, as per state guidelines.
• Certifications and Competencies:
• BLS (Basic Life Support): Required within one month of hire.
• PCA Competencies: Completion of all PCA competencies is required within 3 months of hire.
Qualifications:
• Education: High school diploma, G.E.D, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) / CPTC (Certified Patient Care Technician), or currently enrolled in a healthcare career program through their high school curriculum. Current Mercy co-workers are also eligible.
• Experience: None required.
• Minimum Physical Requirements:
• Ability to push, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Capability for prolonged standing and walking throughout each shift.
• Dexterity to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties effectively.
• Preferred Certifications: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is preferred but not required.
Key Mercy Benefits (Available from Day One unless otherwise specified):
• Education Assistance: Towards a nursing degree.
• Health Coverage: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance available after day one.
• Dependent Care FSA: Annual contribution of $100 per month to eligible co-workers enrolled in the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.
• Paid Parental Leave: For new parents.
• Retirement Plan: 401k with employer match, starting day one.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual begins on day one and includes a day for volunteering.
• Competitive Salary: Compensation that is competitive within the industry.
• Future Career Growth: Clear pathways and support for long-term career advancement within the organization.
