Certified Nursing Assistant (PCA) Apprentice

Singing River Health System; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Singing River Health System invites applications for the Patient Care Associate Apprentice. The program spans one year and combines academics, nursing assistant certification prep, and hands-on experience under RN/LPN supervision. Classroom work takes place at Singing River Hospital – Pascagoula with rotations across SRHS facilities.

The role emphasizes applying skills to build confidence, proficiency, and competency in basic nursing care and patient support in a hospital setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must complete and maintain BCLS upon hire and/or transfer.
• Equivalent related work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic nursing care to patients under supervision and predefined guidelines.
• Work with RN or LPN on established plan of care.
• Follow Singing River Health System procedures and policies.
• Travel to different SRHS facilities as required.

Skills

Basic nursing care

Communication skills

Multitasking

Emotional stability

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Word

Computer keyboard proficiency

Job description

Position Overview

The Patient Care Associate Apprentice participates in a one (1) year Department of Labor Industry Recognized Apprentice program consisting of academics, preparation for Nursing Assistant certification, and work-based learning timeframe to develop talents. The program design promotes application of skill to encourage confidence, proficiency and competency. Classroom academics will take place at Singing River Hospital – Pascagoula. Work assignments' location can be to any of the Singing River Health System facilities. The Patient Care Associate Apprentice, under supervision and guidance, provides basic nursing care (i.e. personal and restorative care) to patients according to predefined guidelines; an established plan of care facilitated by a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse; and under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse or LPN. 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.

DISCLAIMER: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this intends to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks performed as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

License

N/A

Certifications

Must complete and maintain BCLS upon hire and/or transfer.

Experience

Equivalent related work experience preferred.

Reports to

RN responsible for patient care management/patient care during a shift, Patient Care Coordinator, Patient Care Manager, Instructor

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 involves being able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction; the ability to make fine discriminations in sound. 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. Job requires travel throughout the SRHS service area – with the employee providing his/her own transportation. If you’re looking for purpose, teamwork, and a place where what you do truly matters, you’ve found it. Let’s do big things together.

Singing River is both a mission-driven healthcare provider and one of the largest employers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We offer best-of-industry benefits, scheduling options, and professional pathways for our employees. Within each of our three hospitals and 50+ primary care and specialty clinics, you'll find a team devoted to quality, teamwork, and service.