Patient Care Assistant

Description Job Summary

Promotes and exemplifies the philosophies and goals of Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Assures smooth operation of the patient care delivery system by assuming clerical tasks and assists with ordering and stocking of needed unit supplies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas: Notifies licensed staff of necessary information ordered by physicians.

Example

• medications to give, IV’s to start, treatment to give, etc. Checks charts for new or different orders. Reports observations and changes to staff nurses. Calls for previous patient records as necessary. Answers the phone promptly and courteously, relays messages and makes calls for doctors, staff and patients. Performs messenger duties to all departments as necessary. Sets priorities and organized work. Performs assigned unit duties or other duties as assigned. Knowledge of inventory and levels. Utilization of proper ordering forms. Sends orders at appropriate times. Stocks supplies in correct areas to ensure a smooth flow of work. Keeps up with new supplies. Attends and participates in in-services and continuing educational programs. Maintains aseptic controlled environment to reduce the risk of microbial contamination by properly cleaning and decontaminating E.D. equipment. Assists in maintaining E.D. Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians and co-workers. Assists with transportation of patients. Under supervision of nurses and physicians assists with assessments, performs exams and E.D. procedures to insure high standards of care for patients. Facilitates good interpersonal relationships and foster a harmonious atmosphere among staff members and between departments. Assists with patient care within the scope of your education. Keeps informed of scheduled workdays. Arrives at work on time. Assists with patient care within the scope of your education. Performs EKG’s when ordered. Assist nurses in gathering vitals during a patients stay and at time of discharge and communicates any abnormal. Proficient and competent at venipuncture. Pays attention to timeliness of all collections and completes procedures scheduled during the shift. Prioritizes work to achieve maximum efficiency and collects timed specimens within 10 min. and STATS within 5 min. of time of order. Verifies correct patient by checking the request and patient’s wristband before the procedure begins. Disposes of used needles in proper containers, does not recap needles. Obeys all institutional and dept. policies and procedures regarding patient care, with special attention to biohazard procedures. Washes hands before and after each patient contact. Knowledgeable in the requirements of appropriate collection devices, anticoagulants, special handling, and special preparation for tests prior to collection. Labels test tubes immediately after procedure is completed. Hand labels if no computer label is available.
• Demonstrates
• Competency in the
• Following
• Areas: Keeps informed of scheduled workdays. Arrives at work on time. Makes good use of work time, is a self-starter and does not have to be told to complete necessary departmental duties and expectations. Observes and practices good, safe work practices including wearing of protective gear and correct handling of hazardous wastes and materials.

Requirements

Professional Requirements: Completes annual educational requirements. Maintains regulatory requirements. Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly. Attends unit meetings or reads minutes and keeps informed of E.D. nursing and hospital activities six times per year. Follows through with changes in a timely manner. Ensures confidentiality of patient’s records. Education/Regulatory Requirements & Experience: · High School diploma or equivalent required. · Understanding of basic medical terminology preferred. · Phlebotomy Certificate, Medical Assistant or CNA preferred. · One-year previous hospital experience. · Current BLS certification required; must be obtained during initial orientation if not current upon hire. · Previous work history that demonstrates steady attendance and punctuality is required.

Language Skills

· Must be able to read & communicate effectively in English.

Physical Demands

· For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description. Near visual & hearing acuity required to perform essential duties of position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.