Patient Care Assistant (PCA) / Patient Transporter - Surgery Department, PT

JOB SUMMARY

The Patient Transporter/Patient Care Assistant is responsible for safely transporting patients between the areas of Perioperative Services as well as to and from the inpatient units. The Patient Transporter/Patient Care Assistant interacts with patients, guests, and hospital staff in a professional, courteous, and accommodating manner. Delivers direct/indirect patient care to patients of all ages from infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult to geriatric under the supervision of a registered nurse and or licensed practical nurse. Demonstrates critical thinking to assure the delivery of safe, quality age specific care. Documents accurately and in a timely manner. Communicates and collaborates with other healthcare team members to ensure an efficient patient flow in the Perioperative area. Adheres to organizational policies and procedures; regulatory/ accrediting body requirements; and professional practice standards.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of proper body mechanics for the lifting and transfer of patients.
• Demonstration of basic nursing care and treatment procedures, i.e., assisting in positioning, lifting, obtaining vital signs, weight/ height.
• Demonstration of obtaining capillary patient blood glucose.
• Knowledge and demonstration of patient standards of care in assigned unit.
• Successful completion of mandatory requirements including unit proficiencies/competencies.
• Demonstration of effective problem solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and team work skills.
• Demonstration of effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstration of positive customer service.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE

• Basic computer literacy (keyboarding; order entry; word processing) preferred
• Knowledge of and skill in using all instrumentation/ equipment for patient care in specific unit such as but not limited to, Automatic B/P equipment, Sequential Compression Device (SCD) and capillary blood glucose monitor.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the registered nurse/licensed practical nurse assists in the provision of safe patient care. Performs skills that include observation and documentation as directed by a RN/ LPN.
• Responsible for the safe, timely transport of patients to and from the different areas of Perioperative Services as well as to the inpatient units.
• Maintains clean, properly functioning patient transport equipment.
• Observes the flow of the daily perioperative surgery schedule and ensures that patients are transported to the holding area in a timely manner.
• Assists in positioning, lifting and transporting patients to other departments, ADLs, and personal hygiene.
• Performs, reports and documents patient blood glucose per capillary finger stick.
• Obtains, reports and documents vital signs i.e., temperature, blood pressure, respiration, pulse.
• Obtains, reports and documents I & O.
• Obtains, reports and documents weights.
• Obtains, reports and documents heights.
• Reports and documents elimination.
• Answers call lights promptly.
• Communicates effectively with team members and other healthcare providers.
• Accepts delegated responsibilities for unit activities on assigned shift.
• Documents all aspects of patient care provided and maintains patient records in a timely manner as appropriate for unit.
• Provides patients and family members with information as appropriate.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new and tenured Patient Care Assistants/Patient Transporters under the supervision of a RN/ LPN.
• Demonstrates knowledge of disaster/ emergency procedures and responds appropriately.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual knowledge, skills, performance and behavior in accordance with hospital, division, and unit standards of care and policies and procedures.
• Utilizes measures to promote and maintain patient, visitor and personnel safety.
• Maintains patient, employee, physician, and organization confidentiality; respects the rights, privacy, and property of others.
• Demonstrates the appropriate use of infection control principles and personal protection equipment.
• Supports the mission, values, and vision of the organization.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Floats to assigned unit(s) as needed.
• Performs tasks that are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job.
• Participates in staff meetings, educational programs, committees, QI activities and mandatory in-services.
• Participates in maintaining unit functions.
• Demonstrates initiative in personal/ professional development.
• Presents a professional image.
• Assists with control of costs through the judicious use of human and material resources.
• Other duties as assigned.