Patient Care Associate: Student Float Pool - Per Diem at Albany Med Health System

Job description

Department/Unit: Float Pool Work Shift: Day (United States of America) Salary Range: $43,599.00 - $56,679.00 The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) will work under the direction of the Registered Nurse. During the assigned work period, PCAs will collect patient data, complete personal care of the patient, perform point of care testing such as whole blood glucose, turn & position and/or mobilize patients, and assist with caring for the needs of assigned patients with a focus on progress toward discharge, including during transitions within the acute care stay. The PCA is trained to perform technical procedures such as vital sign collection and lab collection. The Patient Care Assistant promotes the availability of resources for patient care through collaboration with Materials Coordinators for use, stocking, and storage of supplies. The Patient Care Assistant participates in the creation and maintenance of a clean, orderly, and safe environment of care. PCAs may also be asked to provide the service of activity companion for patients requiring 1:1 observation. The Patient Care Assistant is responsible for assisting in the delivery of patient care provided by the caregiving team. S/he assures that competent, compassionate patient care is uniformly provided to customers. This program is designed for students matriculated to a college or university. This position allows students to gain patient care experience in the hospital. The candidate will be available to work either during college breaks OR while college is in session providing time for studies. Expedited orientation will be included to anticipate quick start on the unit of hire. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Collects pertinent data and information relative to the patient’s health or situation, including vital signs, height and weight, and food and fluid intake and output. Reports abnormal findings to the RN and patient care team. Participates in care planning and the nursing report process. Incorporates patient/family rights to participate in decision making about their care Utilizes standardized techniques for keeping patients and families informed. Provides personal care to patients including bathing, oral care, and skin care Assists the patient with eating and hydration, grooming, dressing, and toileting. Incorporates safe patient handling into basic restorative care such as ambulation, range of motion and use of assistive and prosthetic devices. Employs strategies to promote a clean, orderly, and safe environment. Demonstrates standard and transmission, based precautions and infection control techniques. Provides details related to patient progress toward the achievement of goals and outcomes to the RN. Documents all care in the patient record. Unit-based care with possibility of floating to other units as needed Qualifications Matriculated into under-graduate or graduate program - required Available to work 24 or 36 hours during breaks OR school year - required Honest, punctual, and performs the job in adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct as defined by AMC and the tenets of the profession. Ability to communicate cooperatively and effectively with patients, family members, employees, and others. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Physical Demands Standing - Constantly Walking - Constantly Sitting - Rarely Lifting - Frequently Carrying - Frequently Pushing - Occasionally Pulling - Occasionally Climbing - Occasionally Balancing - Occasionally Stooping - Frequently Kneeling - Frequently Crouching - Frequently Crawling - Occasionally Reaching - Frequently Handling - Frequently Grasping - Frequently Feeling - Constantly Talking - Constantly Hearing - Constantly Repetitive Motions - Constantly Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly Working Conditions Extreme cold - Rarely Extreme heat - Rarely Humidity - Rarely Wet - Rarely Noise - Constantly Hazards - Frequently Temperature Change - Rarely Atmosp