PRN Patient Care Associate - Penn Presbyterian Trauma Surgical ICU

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) works under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN), forming a collaborative team to provide high-quality patient care through the nursing process. The PCA supports patient care delivery, ensures patient safety, and contributes to maintaining a positive and efficient healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with or perform procedures and treatments as outlined in the Presbyterian Medical Center’s policies, under the direction of the supervising nurse.
• Integrate cost-effective practices into nursing care.
• Manage and utilize unit supplies efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Complete assignments within designated timeframes and adapt to unit needs as they arise.
• Collaborate with RNs to plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
• Collect and document admission data accurately.
• Record patient observations and care in a timely and precise manner (including flow sheets and admission sheets).
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with healthcare regulations and hospital policies.
• Safeguard patient belongings according to institutional procedures.
• Assist patients with personal items during transfer or discharge.
• Follow quality improvement standards and participate in the unit’s Performance Improvement (PI) program.
• Perform glucose monitoring quality control tasks.
• Ensure patient safety at all times, including during transportation and transfers.
• Maintain clean and safe patient care areas, including rooms, hallways, utility areas, and nursing stations.
• Use restraints safely as per hospital policy when necessary.
• Adhere to safety and fall prevention protocols.
• Monitor and record vital signs and input/output (I&O).
• Maintain professional and respectful interactions with patients, families, physicians, and staff.
• Provide individualized care to support the patient's physical, emotional, educational, and safety needs.
• Follow appropriate infection control and safety procedures in all patient interactions.
• Participate in the hospital’s performance improvement efforts and support departmental initiatives.
• Foster open communication with nursing staff, management, and the healthcare team.
• Support and assist with patient care as needed and escalate concerns when appropriate.
  
  

Required Credentials:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification (Required)
• Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certification (Required)
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• CNA Certification or current nursing student (ASN/BSN) who has completed a clinical rotation with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the role’s contribution to the overall patient care and service delivery in the hospital.
• Participate in mandatory training, including CPR recertification, fire and safety, infection control, body mechanics, radiation safety, and electrical safety.
  
  

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.