Patient Care Specialist

Job Description

Patient Care Specialist | St. Mary’s Medical Center

The Tone:
This is a vital position at St. Mary’s Medical Center, where dedicated Patient Care Specialists join a compassionate healthcare team. This role is crucial in assisting with various patient care activities, always operating under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse. Patient Care Specialists are responsible for delivering exceptional care in strict conformance with all Medical Center policies and procedures, thereby contributing significantly to fostering a safe, effective, and supportive patient environment for individuals across all age ranges.

The TL;DR
• Team: Compassionate healthcare team, reporting to a Registered Nurse
• Mission: Deliver safe, effective, and supportive patient care in conformance with medical center policies
• Tech Stack: Electronic medical record (EMR)

What You’ll Actually Do
• Clinical Diagnostics: Accurately perform and meticulously document 12-lead Electrocardiograms (EKGs), vigilantly recognizing abnormal tracings and promptly bringing these critical observations to the attention of the Charge Nurse.
• Phlebotomy & Documentation: Skillfully collect blood samples from patients using appropriate techniques, including venipuncture or skin puncture, and accurately and timely enter all required related documentation into the electronic medical record (EMR) or relevant databases.
• Comprehensive Direct Patient Care: Provide direct, safe, and effective patient care designed to meet the physical, spiritual, and psychological needs of patients from neonate to geriatrics, including measuring vital signs, monitoring intake/output, and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as personal hygiene, grooming, and mobility.
• Observation & Communication: Continuously observe patients and report pertinent information and changes in condition to the patient care nurse or Charge Nurse in a timely and professional manner, while also providing appropriate explanations to patients regarding procedures within the established scope of training.
• Equipment Management & Safety: Clean and diligently maintain equipment according to approved solutions and Manufacturer’s Instructions For Use (MIFU), immediately reporting any maintenance concerns or faulty equipment, and always following all standard safety precautions to ensure a secure environment.

The Must-Haves
• Background: A foundational understanding of patient care protocols, medical center policies, and procedures, with a strong commitment to delivering care in strict conformance with established guidelines and safety standards.
• Experience: Demonstrated practical ability to perform clinical procedures such as EKG and phlebotomy, along with significant experience assisting with direct patient care activities, all within an established scope of training and under nursing delegation.
• Skills: Proficiency in performing and documenting 12-lead EKGs; competent in blood sample collection via venipuncture or skin puncture; skilled in electronic medical record (EMR) documentation; capable of assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), vital sign measurement, and basic skin care; effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare staff.