Patient Care Assistant

Shields Health; North Chelmsford (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Shields Health in Massachusetts is seeking a Per Diem Ambulatory Surgery Center Patient Care Assistant to join our team during daytime shifts. Under RN supervision, the PCA assists with patient prep, transport, and daily living activities, promoting comfort, safety, and dignity throughout the surgical visit.

Responsibilities include admitting/discharging patients, documenting vital signs, aiding with transfers, maintaining clean care areas, and collaborating with nurses and physicians.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CNA/PCT/MA or equivalent healthcare training preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Experience in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), hospital, outpatient setting, or physician office preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist nursing staff with admitting, preparing, and discharging patients.
• Escort patients safely to and from preoperative, postoperative, and discharge areas.
• Obtain and document vital signs, height, weight, pain assessments, and other clinical information.
• Assist with activities of daily living and positioning as needed.
• Prepare patient care areas by stocking supplies and maintaining cleanliness and readiness of rooms.
• Support patient transfers and safe handling using proper body mechanics.
• Observe and report changes in patient condition to the RN.
• Maintain infection prevention standards and collaborate with the healthcare team.

Skills

Infection prevention

Patient safety

Communication

Vital signs documentation

EHR documentation

Team collaboration

Body mechanics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CNA/PCT/MA preferred

BLS certification required

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Job description

Job Summary:Founded in 1972 by Tom and Mary Shields, our family-owned company began with a single nursing home and a promise: treat every patient the way you would want your mother to be treated. That guiding principle has driven more than five decades of progress, from opening Massachusetts’ first freestanding MRI center to bringing the world’s first AI-enabled MRI into routine care. Along the way, we’ve achieved countless “firsts” in imaging, PET/CT, and surgical services—always putting patients at the heart of every advancement. Today, with more than 50 locations across New England, Shields honors its founders’ vision by pairing compassionate, patient-first care with state-of-the-art technology to make world-class healthcare more accessible to all.Job Description:This is a per diem opportunity - we are looking for candidates with Monday-Friday daytime availability.The Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The Patient Care Assistant assists with patient preparation, recovery, transportation, and activities of daily living while promoting patient comfort, safety, and dignity. This role supports efficient clinical operations by maintaining patient care areas, assisting the nursing team, and ensuring a positive patient experience throughout the surgical visit.Job Tasks• Assist nursing staff with admitting, preparing, and discharging patients in accordance with established policies and procedures.• Escort patients safely throughout the facility, including to and from preoperative, postoperative, and discharge areas.• Obtain and document patient vital signs, height, weight, pain assessments, and other assigned clinical information.• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including dressing, ambulation, toileting, and positioning as needed.• Prepare patient care areas by stocking supplies, cleaning equipment, and ensuring rooms are ready for patient care.• Assist with patient transfers and positioning using proper body mechanics and safe patient handling techniques.• Observe patients and promptly report changes in condition or patient concerns to the Registered Nurse.• Assist with specimen transport, equipment cleaning, and other clinical support activities in accordance with infection prevention standards.• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe patient care environment.• Restock clinical supplies and notify appropriate personnel when inventory levels are low.• Provide compassionate, courteous, and respectful care while maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality.• Maintain accurate documentation of assigned patient care activities in the electronic health record (EHR) as appropriate.• Follow infection prevention practices, standard precautions, and facility safety protocols at all times.• Collaborate effectively with nurses, physicians, anesthesia providers, and other healthcare team members to promote high-quality patient care.• Respond appropriately during emergency situations by assisting the clinical team as directed.• Maintain excellent communication and professional relationships with patients, families, physicians, and multidisciplinary team members.• Perform additional duties as assigned.Educational Requirements• High school diploma or equivalent required.• Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Care Technician (PCT), Medical Assistant (MA), or equivalent healthcare training program preferred.• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.• Previous patient care experience in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), hospital, outpatient setting, or physician office preferred.Skills and Competencies• Knowledge of basic patient care techniques, infection prevention practices, and patient safety standards.• Ability to accurately obtain and document patient vital signs and other assigned clinical information.• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a patient-centered approach to care.• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment.• Ability to work collaboratively with Registered Nurses, physicians, anesthesia providers, and other healthcare professionals.• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, including OSHA, HIPAA, CMS, and Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or other applicable accreditation standards.• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and always demonstrate professionalism.• Ability to stand, walk, reach, bend, lift, push, and pull throughout the workday. Capable of safely assisting with lifting, positioning, transferring, and transporting patients in accordance with established safety protocols and patient care standards.Additional Job Description:Pay range for this position is $21-$35/hr + benefits. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.It is not intended that this Job Description include all details of the work functions of this position. The incumbent will perform work of a lower or equivalent classification as required or directed, and work of higher classification for training and development purposes or as situationally warranted.Shields Health is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.