Patient Care Assistant - Cancer Institute Inpatient Unit

Penn State Health; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State Health in Milton S. Hershey Medical Center seeks a Patient Care Assistant for the Cancer Institute Inpatient Unit in Hershey, PA. This full-time role operates on a self-scheduling model, requiring reliability, flexibility, and teamwork to support nursing staff and patient care.

The unit serves hematology/oncology patients, including stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and Certified Nursing Assistant certification; prior

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect patient care under supervision of RN.
• Maintain communication with nursing staff for assigned patients and coordinate with team to prioritize patient care.
• Assist in meeting patient and family goals and ensure quality care.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certified Nursing Assistant certification

Job description

Patient Care Assistant - Cancer Institute Inpatient Unit

Invest in Your Future and Theirs: Full-time Milton S. Hershey Medical Center employees receive a 75% Penn State tuition discount for themselves and eligible dependents through the Grant-in-Aid program.

Penn State Health -Hershey Medical Center

This position operates on a self-scheduling model, allowing employees to select their own weekday shifts. However, schedules must align with the staffing needs of the nursing unit, including weekends, holidays, and high-demand periods as required. We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the role, prioritizing this position as their primary professional responsibility. Reliability, flexibility, and accountability are essential to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care.

Essential member of the health care team responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care. Maintain awareness of patient population needs and scheduling requirements, provide ongoing communication with nursing staff for assigned patients, and prioritize patient care in conjunction with other team members consistently. Assist the team in meeting patient and family goals. Supervision and direction is provided by the Registered Nurse.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

With 39 beds, this unit serves patients with hematological and oncologic malignancies as well as patients receiving stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell Therapy. Nurses in this unit receive training in chemotherapy administration and the care of hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant patient. Nurses complete Oncology Nursing Society/Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONS/ONCC) Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certification as part of orientation.

All Patient Care Assistants (PCA) receive an additional $1.00/hour for their PA Certified Nursing Assistant certification.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S):

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S):

• Three (3) months of patient care related experience preferred.

WHY PENN STATE HEALTH?

Penn State Health offers exceptional opportunities to learn and grow, exposure to a wide patient population, and the ability to provide individualized, innovative, and specialized care to patients in the community.

Penn State Health offers an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental and vision with no waiting period as well as a Total Rewards Program that highlights a few of the many additional offerings below:

• Be Well with Employee Wellness Programs, and Fitness Discounts (University Fitness Center, Peloton).
• Be Balanced with Generous Paid Time Off, Personal Time, and Paid Parental Leave.
• Be Secured with Retirement, Extended Illness Bank, Life Insurance, and Identity Theft Protection.
• Be Rewarded with Competitive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, and PAWS UP employee recognition program.
• Be Supported by the HR Solution Center, Learning and Organizational Development and Virtual Benefits Orientation, Employee Exclusive Concierge Service for scheduling.

WHY PENN STATE HEALTH MILTON HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER?

Penn State Hershey Medical Center is Central Pennsylvania’s only Academic Medical Center, Level 1 Regional Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, and Tertiary Care Provider. As a four-time Magnet-designated hospital, Hershey Medical Center values the hard work and dedication that our employees exhibit every day. Through our core values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence, our employees are a team committed to compassionate care for our diverse patient population, our community and each other. As a valued team member, we promote continued professional development, specialty certification, continuing education, and career growth.

YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM. WE’LL TAKE CARE OF YOU. State-of-the-art equipment, endless learning, and a culture of excellence – that’s Penn State Health. But what makes our healthcare award-winning? That’s all you.

This job posting is a general outline of duties performed and is not to be misconstrued as encompassing all duties performed within the position. Eligibility for shift differential pay based on the terms outlined in company policy or union contract. All individuals (including current employees) selected for a position will undergo a background check appropriate for the position's responsibilities.

Penn State Health is an Equal Opportunity Employerand does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class including disability or veteran status. Penn State Health’s policies and objectives are in direct compliance with all federal and state constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, guidelines, and executive orders that prohibit or outlaw discrimination.