Patient Care Associate - Acute Care Nursing

Patient Care Associate

The Patient Care Associate provides basic nursing care (i.e. personal and restorative care) to patients according to predefined guidelines; a plan of care established by a Registered Nurse or LPN; and under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse or LPN. The plan of care will utilize the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control as well as the Singing River Health System Departments of Nursing Plan for Provision of Care, Treatment, and Services. Expectation is for all performed duties to be in accordance with Singing River Health System procedures and policies, accreditation organization, and governing guidance and publications for health care employees.

Education : High School Diploma or equivalent required. Successful completion of Nurse Assistant / Aide program preferred.

License : N / A

Certification : Current Certified Nursing Assistant certification recognized by the State of Mississippi Department of Health preferred. (CNA Certification required upon hire for SNF unit) (Apprentices transferring to SNF will be allowed 120 days to schedule the skills exam. If not obtained within the 120 days, will be removed from the SNF unit) Must complete and maintain BCLS certification upon hire and / or transfer. Must have de-escalation training completed by the end of position orientation (90 days); must have appropriate level of de-escalation training.

Experience : Equivalent related work experience or completion of a Nurse Aide program required.

Reports to : Registered Nurse or LPN responsible for patient care management during a shift.

Supervises : None.

Physical Demands : Work is moderately active : involves sitting with frequent requirements to move about the office, move about the facility, and to travel to another facility within the SRHS service area. Work involves exerting a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work involves using many physical motions in performing daily work activities; subject to exposure of body fluids, sputum and tissues, which may carry the hazard of infectious disease. Work involves using repetitive motions : substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and or fingers while operating standard office equipment such as computer keyboard. Work requires close visual and acuity and the ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus, i.e. shift gaze from viewing a computer monitor to forms / printed material that are closer to compare data at close vision. Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue. Must be able to work schedules assigned with the understanding that changes may be instituted according to the needs of the hospital for off days, shifts or weekends.

Mental Demands : Must demonstrate keen mental faculties / assessment and decision-making abilities. Must demonstrate superior communication / speaking / enunciation skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Must possess emotional stability conducive to dealing with high stress levels. Must demonstrate ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in complex situations is required. Must have the ability to maintain collaborative and respectable working relationships throughout SRHS and other organizations.

Special Demands : Must possess superior customer service skills and professional etiquette. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e., telephone, fax, etc.), MS Outlook and Word. Must be able to demonstrate appropriate clinical judgment and apply appropriate professional skills to a patient population of all ages.