Patient Care Assistant-MS6-36hr- Day/Night Rotation

Connecticut Children's; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Connecticut Children's is seeking a dedicated Patient Care Assistant (PCA) to provide essential support in an inpatient setting. The role involves direct patient care including assisting with personal hygiene, documenting vital patient data, and maintaining supplies. Candidates should have a high school diploma and preferred experience in pediatric settings. BLS/CPR certification is required within two weeks of hire. Our ideal PCA demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of basic medical terminology, thereby enhancing patient comfort and care delivery.

Qualifications

• Successfully completed or enrolled in a Certified Nurse’s Aide training program or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of one year pediatric PCA experience preferred.
• BLS/CPR certification required within 2 weeks of hire to remain current.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care addressing population-specific needs.
• Accurate documentation of patient information in electronic records.
• Maintain inventories of unit supplies and perform quality-control checks.
• Assist with patient admissions and discharges.
• Transport patients as required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Basic medical terminology

Basic math and measurements

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse as part of an inpatient/hospital unit, performs a variety of routine direct patient care, environmental and administrative support activities to promote the health, safety and comfort of patients and families. All patient care and support activities are completed in accordance with CCMC and unit policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Direct Patient Care – Provides direct patient care that addresses the population‑specific needs of the patients on the unit. Activities may include:
  • Assist patients with feedings and personal care (e.g., hygiene, ambulating, activities of daily living)
  • Obtain vital signs, temperature, weight, height, head circumference or other patient data as required
  • Obtain and test specimens (e.g., blood glucose, urine)
  • Transport patients
  • Assist with patient admissions and discharges
  Demonstrates awareness of safety needs and basic knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, risk management, and environment of care policies. Responds with tact and discretion to patient and family needs and reports needs beyond the PCA skill level to the RN.
• Documentation – Accurately documents patient information on appropriate forms and demonstrates basic data entry and retrieval competency in electronic patient records and/or patient supply systems used on the unit.
• Unit Support Activities – Maintains appropriate inventories of unit supplies, cleans and maintains equipment, performs quality‑control checks, and assists with miscellaneous errands and transportation of medication and supplies as directed by the RN.
• Demonstrates knowledge of population‑specific differences and needs of patients from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients, families and co‑workers.
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors consistent with the CCMC STANDARDS.

Qualifications

• Education Required: High school diploma, GED or equivalent, or higher level of education that requires a high school diploma.
• Experience Preferred:
  • Successful completion or enrollment in a Certified Nurse’s Aide training program, completion of a Medical Assistant program, or EMT certification strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of one‑year pediatric PCA experience preferred.

License and/or Certification

• BLS/CPR (American Heart Association) required within 2 weeks of hire and must remain current at all times. Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification by State of Connecticut preferred.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of:
  • Basic medical terminology (preferred).
  • Basic math and measurements.
  • Basic understanding of organization’s environment of care and infection control policies.
• Skills:
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Abilities:
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing in English; bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
  • Understand and follow written and verbal instructions and procedures.
  • Learn and demonstrate competency in standard clinical procedures within specialty area, according to established protocols.
  • Maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards.
  • Respond appropriately in emergency/crisis situations.
  • Demonstrate basic data entry/data retrieval competency in electronic patient records and/or patient supply systems used on the unit.