What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Care Associate - SC2 position at Cooley Dickinson Hospital?
Site: Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc.
At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission—from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.
At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare — people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds – to apply.
With energy and purpose, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, is advancing health care in western Massachusetts, and has been since 1886. Our network employs more than 2,00 medical professionals and support staff, at our main Hospital campus in Northampton and additional locations in twelve towns throughout the Pioneer Valley. Cooley Dickinson's VNA & Hospital is also a vital part of our network, providing home-based services through-out Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Job Summary
The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for performing a variety of direct and non-direct patient care duties, including routine patient care duties as well as clerical, supply, and messenger responsibilities. The PCA performs other patient care related duties and unit duties as needed and may function as a patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observation is required.
Telemetry/Critical Care Unit Specific: Responsible for successfully completing arrhythmia course and maintaining competency in telemetry monitoring.
This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
This position reports to the Nurse Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Must be able to effectively interact appropriately to an individual's intellectual level and physical ability.
1Infants 1Pediatric 1Adolescent 1Adult 1Geriatric
Essential Functions
Perform patient care related duties and clinical functions as assigned or requested. These include, but are not limited to, perform and document point of care, perform and document vital signs, perform EKG’s, perform skin, bathing and performing other sanitary needs of patients, transferring and assisting with ambulation of patients, feeding patients, etc. Assist RN’s and physicians with other exams and treatments as required. Record I & O.
Communicate with nursing staff in an effective and timely manner around issues related to patient care and patient condition.
Complete documentation data on the patient’s medical records as care is provided, condition changes and as clinical needs, supervisor indicates.
Ensure that patient rooms are stocked, equipped, and cleaned appropriately, as needs indicate and as patient volumes change.
Utilize equipment properly considering its’ maintenance, safety and availability. Report equipment malfunctions and needs to Maintenance or Bio Med Engineering as appropriate.
Participate in quality improvement processes and systems to assure targeted outcomes, exceptional service delivery and efficiency.
Demonstrate cooperative, collaborative, participative behavior with peers in the performance of work, goals, quality improvement efforts and patient care delivery.
Participate in the orientation of new personnel as requested.
Assist in emergency situations as directed.
Make trips to other hospital departments for patient and unit supplies (i.e. equipment, blood, storeroom, etc.) and deliver specimens, etc.
Delivers meal trays to patients using safe tray passing techniques (verify with RN if NPO, patient going for a test, patient with swallowing issues, etc)
Receive incoming communications and take appropriate action to relay information to the necessary person(s).
Receive and direct Medical Staff, personnel, patients and visitors.
Inform next shift Unit Secretary, Shift Charge Nurse, or Nurse Manager of problems needing attention.
Notify Case Management of the need for consultation at the request of physician or nurse.
Notify consulting physician, physician’s office, or answering service of need for consultation as ordered by attending physician.
Contact religious personnel on behalf of patient as directed by nursing staff, patient or patient’s family.
Operate paging system efficiently.
Perform non-clinical clerical duties related to the admission, hospitalization, discharge, transfer, death and leave of absence of patients.
File forms in individual patient’s medical record.
Copy medical records as ordered for patient transfer to another facility.
Send patient’s medical record to Medical Records after charting is completed, the chart is checked and patient is discharged.
Prepare appropriate paperwork for patient needs: i.e. surgical packets / Universal Protocol / EMTALA / Medical Necessity form / Discharge/Admission.
Ensure that appropriate stock items and equipment are available to the unit (this is in conjunction with the Unit Aide if that particular unit has a Unit Aide).
Greet new patients with friendly professionalism and escort patient to room and notify appropriate nurse when needed.
Greet and direct visitors to appropriate room and inform them of hospital regulations as appropriate.
Issue correct information to patients and families.
Respect the dignity and confidentiality of the patient and family.
Function in role of Patient Care Observer as requested.
Remain in constant attendance with assigned high risk patient until relieved by shift charge nurse.
Maintain safety for patients with suicidal ideation.
Immediately notify nursing staff of any unusual circumstances or obtain assistance with any restrained patient who needs attention or assistance.
Immediately report any changes in patient’s condition to the patient’s nurse.
May perform non-clinical tasks as directed by the patient’s nurse.
Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, compliance, safety, infection control and environmental standards.
Stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.
Maintain flexibility and remain responsive to unit and overall nursing department needs as they relate to patients and work assignments.
Meet annual competency and retraining requirements.
Attend meetings as required.
Perform Other Functions/duties As Requested.
Required for All Jobs
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards
Does this position require Patient Care (indirect/direct)? Yes
Qualifications
Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No
Licenses and Credentials
Nursing Assitant [State License or Certification] required
Experience
Six (6) months to one (1) year nursing assistant experience required
One (1) to three (3) years secretarial experience preferred and
Healthcare Experience Preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to perform routine patient care activities under the direction of licensed nursing personnel requiring technical or on the job training required.
Nursing Assistant certification, Medical Assistant certification, or a nursing student who is actively enrolled into a nursing program with a minimum of 6 months of student clinical experience required.
Patient Care Associates hired prior to April 16, 2013 are grandfathered into their current position without being required to have a nursing or medical assistant certification.
Ability to multitask and handle stress crisis situations effectively required.
Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology required.
Demonstrated Typing Skills And Computer Experience Required.
Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills required.
Physical Requirements
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Standing Frequently (34-66%) Walking Frequently (34-66%) Sitting Occasionally (3-33%) Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs (w/assisted device) Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs Pushing Occasionally (3-33%) Pulling Occasionally (3-33%) Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%) Balancing Frequently (34-66%) Stooping Occasionally (3-33%) Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%) Crouching Occasionally (3-33%) Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%) Reaching Frequently (34-66%) Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%) Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%) Feeling Constantly (67-100%) Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%) Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%) Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%) Talking Constantly (67-100%) Hearing Constantly (67-100%)
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
30 Locust Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
36
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Night (United States of America)
EEO Statement
Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc. is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.
At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission—from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.
At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare — people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds – to apply.
With energy and purpose, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, is advancing health care in western Massachusetts, and has been since 1886. Our network employs more than 2,00 medical professionals and support staff, at our main Hospital campus in Northampton and additional locations in twelve towns throughout the Pioneer Valley. Cooley Dickinson's VNA & Hospital is also a vital part of our network, providing home-based services through-out Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Job Summary
The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for performing a variety of direct and non-direct patient care duties, including routine patient care duties as well as clerical, supply, and messenger responsibilities. The PCA performs other patient care related duties and unit duties as needed and may function as a patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observation is required.
Telemetry/Critical Care Unit Specific: Responsible for successfully completing arrhythmia course and maintaining competency in telemetry monitoring.
This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
This position reports to the Nurse Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Must be able to effectively interact appropriately to an individual's intellectual level and physical ability.
1Infants 1Pediatric 1Adolescent 1Adult 1Geriatric
Essential Functions
Perform patient care related duties and clinical functions as assigned or requested. These include, but are not limited to, perform and document point of care, perform and document vital signs, perform EKG’s, perform skin, bathing and performing other sanitary needs of patients, transferring and assisting with ambulation of patients, feeding patients, etc. Assist RN’s and physicians with other exams and treatments as required. Record I & O.
Communicate with nursing staff in an effective and timely manner around issues related to patient care and patient condition.
Complete documentation data on the patient’s medical records as care is provided, condition changes and as clinical needs, supervisor indicates.
Ensure that patient rooms are stocked, equipped, and cleaned appropriately, as needs indicate and as patient volumes change.
Utilize equipment properly considering its’ maintenance, safety and availability. Report equipment malfunctions and needs to Maintenance or Bio Med Engineering as appropriate.
Participate in quality improvement processes and systems to assure targeted outcomes, exceptional service delivery and efficiency.
Demonstrate cooperative, collaborative, participative behavior with peers in the performance of work, goals, quality improvement efforts and patient care delivery.
Participate in the orientation of new personnel as requested.
Assist in emergency situations as directed.
Make trips to other hospital departments for patient and unit supplies (i.e. equipment, blood, storeroom, etc.) and deliver specimens, etc.
Delivers meal trays to patients using safe tray passing techniques (verify with RN if NPO, patient going for a test, patient with swallowing issues, etc)
Receive incoming communications and take appropriate action to relay information to the necessary person(s).
Receive and direct Medical Staff, personnel, patients and visitors.
Inform next shift Unit Secretary, Shift Charge Nurse, or Nurse Manager of problems needing attention.
Notify Case Management of the need for consultation at the request of physician or nurse.
Notify consulting physician, physician’s office, or answering service of need for consultation as ordered by attending physician.
Contact religious personnel on behalf of patient as directed by nursing staff, patient or patient’s family.
Operate paging system efficiently.
Perform non-clinical clerical duties related to the admission, hospitalization, discharge, transfer, death and leave of absence of patients.
File forms in individual patient’s medical record.
Copy medical records as ordered for patient transfer to another facility.
Send patient’s medical record to Medical Records after charting is completed, the chart is checked and patient is discharged.
Prepare appropriate paperwork for patient needs: i.e. surgical packets / Universal Protocol / EMTALA / Medical Necessity form / Discharge/Admission.
Ensure that appropriate stock items and equipment are available to the unit (this is in conjunction with the Unit Aide if that particular unit has a Unit Aide).
Greet new patients with friendly professionalism and escort patient to room and notify appropriate nurse when needed.
Greet and direct visitors to appropriate room and inform them of hospital regulations as appropriate.
Issue correct information to patients and families.
Respect the dignity and confidentiality of the patient and family.
Function in role of Patient Care Observer as requested.
Remain in constant attendance with assigned high risk patient until relieved by shift charge nurse.
Maintain safety for patients with suicidal ideation.
Immediately notify nursing staff of any unusual circumstances or obtain assistance with any restrained patient who needs attention or assistance.
Immediately report any changes in patient’s condition to the patient’s nurse.
May perform non-clinical tasks as directed by the patient’s nurse.
Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, compliance, safety, infection control and environmental standards.
Stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.
Maintain flexibility and remain responsive to unit and overall nursing department needs as they relate to patients and work assignments.
Meet annual competency and retraining requirements.
Attend meetings as required.
Perform Other Functions/duties As Requested.
Required for All Jobs
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards
Does this position require Patient Care (indirect/direct)? Yes
Qualifications
Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No
Licenses and Credentials
Nursing Assitant [State License or Certification] required
Experience
Six (6) months to one (1) year nursing assistant experience required
One (1) to three (3) years secretarial experience preferred and
Healthcare Experience Preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to perform routine patient care activities under the direction of licensed nursing personnel requiring technical or on the job training required.
Nursing Assistant certification, Medical Assistant certification, or a nursing student who is actively enrolled into a nursing program with a minimum of 6 months of student clinical experience required.
Patient Care Associates hired prior to April 16, 2013 are grandfathered into their current position without being required to have a nursing or medical assistant certification.
Ability to multitask and handle stress crisis situations effectively required.
Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology required.
Demonstrated Typing Skills And Computer Experience Required.
Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills required.
Physical Requirements
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Standing Frequently (34-66%) Walking Frequently (34-66%) Sitting Occasionally (3-33%) Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs (w/assisted device) Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs Pushing Occasionally (3-33%) Pulling Occasionally (3-33%) Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%) Balancing Frequently (34-66%) Stooping Occasionally (3-33%) Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%) Crouching Occasionally (3-33%) Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%) Reaching Frequently (34-66%) Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%) Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%) Feeling Constantly (67-100%) Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%) Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%) Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%) Talking Constantly (67-100%) Hearing Constantly (67-100%)
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
30 Locust Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
36
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Night (United States of America)
EEO Statement
Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc. is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.
