Patient Care Assistant - CPPU

DCH Health System; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a compassionate Personal Care Assistant to deliver essential care services under the supervision of registered nurses. The role includes measuring vital signs, assisting patients with daily activities, and maintaining accurate documentation. Ideal candidates possess a high school diploma and should have strong communication and basic technical skills, ready to work in a physically demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Prior patient care experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Responsibilities

• Provides personal care services according to treatment plans.
• Measures and records vital signs and patient data.
• Assists with mobility and basic patient needs.

Skills

Basic math skills

Basic computer skills

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Provides compassionate personal care and support services under the supervision of a registered nurse to assist patients in achieving physical and emotional comfort and healing.

Responsibilities

Provides all personal care services according to the plan of treatment assigned by the registered nurse, including but not limited to:

• Measuring and recording intake and output
• Measuring and recording vital signs, oxygen saturation, weight, and height
• Positioning, lifting, and turning patients
• Applying and utilizing special equipment
• Assisting with bedpan, urinal, or commode use
• Ambulating patients
• Pre-operative and post-operative care
• Applying/removing anti-embolism stockings and Sequential Compression Devices (SCD)
• Removing Foley catheters
• Providing perineal care, vaginal irrigations (non-sterile), and sitz baths
• Administering non-medicated enemas
• Applying heat and cold therapy
• Caring for incontinent patients
• Skin care for immobilized patients
• Removing saline locks
• Emptying colostomy bags
• Performing blood sugar tests
• Placing patients on cardiac monitors
• Setting up oxygen equipment
• Feeding patients
• Collecting, labeling, and transporting lab specimens

Additionally, documents care accurately, applies safety principles, participates in resource utilization, and performs basic care requirements with professionalism and adherence to policies.

DCH Standards:

• Maintain performance, patient, employee satisfaction, and financial standards
• Comply with Employee Handbook requirements
• Adhere to DCH Behavioral Standards
• Use electronic communication and management tools
• Follow all DCH policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required. Prior patient care experience preferred. Must have basic math and computer skills, and the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Work Context

• Communicate effectively with diverse personalities
• Handle unpleasant or aggressive behaviors
• Work in teams and perform structured/unstructured tasks
• Meet deadlines and work under time pressure
• Use electronic communication tools
• Potential exposure to biological hazards and chemicals, requiring protective equipment

Physical Factors

• Medium physical work; able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and frequently
• Prolonged standing and walking required
• Perform various physical movements and tolerate environmental conditions
• Normal or corrected hearing and vision necessary
• Must have stamina for 12-hour shifts and be physically present onsite