Job Summary:

Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital’s mission, vision and values.

Additionally, under the direct supervision of licensed nurses, the patient care associate performs various duties to assist in the care of patients in accordance with established policies and procedures.  These duties include, but are not limited to, bathing, mouth care, ambulation assistance, toilet assistance, feeding, measuring vital signs and transporting.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions

1. Patient Care and Safety

• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, toileting, and mobility.
• Measures and records vital signs, weight, intake, and output accurately and promptly.
• Observes and reports changes in patient condition, behavior, or needs to the RN or charge nurse.
• Assists patients with ambulation, repositioning, and transfers using safe lifting techniques and mobility aids.
• Ensures patient safety through hourly rounding, fall prevention, and monitoring of equipment such as bed alarms.
• Responds promptly to call lights and patient requests.

2. Clinical and Technical Support

• Performs blood glucose monitoring, specimen collection, and other technical procedures as trained and delegated.
• Maintains clean and organized patient care areas, ensuring equipment is sanitized and ready for use.
• Assists with admissions, transfers, and discharges, including patient transport and personal item inventory.
• Collects and labels laboratory specimens according to hospital policy.
• Assists nurses during procedures as needed.

3. Communication and Teamwork

• Communicates effectively with nurses, physicians, and other team members regarding patient care and safety concerns.
• Documents patient activities and observations accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Supports a positive, collaborative team environment focused on excellent patient care and service.
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA regulations.
• Serves as a preceptor / trainer for new employees.

4. Unit and Environmental Support

• Restocks supplies and maintains par levels in assigned patient areas.
• Ensures patient rooms are clean, comfortable, and orderly.
• Participates in unit-based safety and quality initiatives.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

• Uses common sense and special medical skills to care for the sick
• Understands technical information from supervisors, charts, reference books, manuals and labels
• Uses eyes, ears, hands and fingers with skill
• Acts quickly in an emergency, rendering appropriate life-saving measures
• Communicates with people
• Change from one duty to another frequently
• Follow and/or give precise instructions
• Records and interprets information accurately
• Able to care for patients of all ages
• Current in BLS

Reasoning, Mathematical and Language Development are indicative of the general level of development required to do this job.  Some, but not necessarily all, areas mentioned in this section will be included in this job. 

Reasoning Development:                                

Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.  Deal with problems involving several variables in or from standardized situations.

Mathematical Development:

Add and subtract two digit numbers.  Multiply and divide 10’s, and 100’s by 2,3,4,5.  Perform the four basic arithmetic operations with coins and as part of a dollar.  Perform operations with units such as cup, pint, and quart; inch, foot, and yard; or ounce and pound.Language Development:

Reading:

Read and understands instructions, safety rules, etc. Records data via paper and electronic means.

Speaking:

Speak with poise, voice-control, and confidence, using correct English and well-modulated voice.

RELATIONSHIPS TO DATA, PEOPLE AND THINGS:

 Data:                           

Compiling: Gathering, collecting and classifying information about data, people or things.  Reporting and/or carrying out a prescribed action in relation to information is frequently involved.

 People:

Speaking, hearing, talking with people to convey or exchange information.  Includes giving directions to staff, patients, families and/or visitors.

 Things:                                      

Manual dexterity: Use of body members or special devices to work, and perform functions pertinent to accomplishment of job assignment.

Education:  High school graduate or GED.

Experience: No previous experience required