Patient Care Associate

Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, MA is hiring a Patient Care Associate (PCA) responsible for various patient care duties, including observational roles. This position requires a high school diploma, BLS certification, and relevant certifications or experience in patient care.

The PCA is essential for patient safety during care and will operate under the guidance of licensed nursing personnel. Full-time and part-time positions are available.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform routine patient care activities under the direction of licensed nursing personnel.
• Health care experience preferred.
• One to three years secretarial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of direct and non‑direct patient care duties.
• Monitor patient safety in situations requiring observation.

Skills

Ability to multi-task and handle stressful crisis situations

Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology

Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills

Typing skills and computer experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Current American Heart Association BLS certification

Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant certification

Job description

Full Time and Part Time – Days and Nights available. The Patient Care Associate (PCA) performs a variety of direct and non‑direct patient care duties, including routine patient care, clerical, supply, and messenger responsibilities. The PCA may function as a patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observation is required.

This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and reports to the Nurse Manager. It operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Qualifications, PCA, Certified (Salary Grade C25)

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
• Ability to perform routine patient care activities under the direction of licensed nursing personnel requiring technical or on‑the‑job training required
• Nursing Assistant certification, Medical Assistant certification, or a nursing student actively enrolled in a nursing program with a minimum of 6 months student clinical experience required
• Six (6) months to one (1) year nursing assistant experience required
• One (1) to three (3) years secretarial experience preferred
• Health care experience preferred
• Ability to multi‑task and handle stressful crisis situations effectively required
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology required
• Demonstrated typing skills and computer experience required
• Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills required

Qualifications, PCA, Non‑Certified (Salary Grade C24)

• Completion of PCA educational objectives and unit‑specific training as outlined by the Professional Development Department required
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification required
• Ability to perform routine patient care activities under the direction of licensed nursing personnel requiring technical or on‑the‑job training required
• Health care experience preferred
• Ability to multi‑task and handle stressful crisis situations effectively required
• Demonstrated typing skills and computer experience required
• Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills required
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow written and/or oral instructions required
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills and a professional demeanor required

Physical Requirements

• Standing Frequently (34%–66%)
• Walking Frequently (34%–66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3%–33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34%–66%) 35 lbs+ (with assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34%–66%) 20–35 lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3%–33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3%–33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34%–66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3%–33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3%–33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3%–33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching Frequently (34%–66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34%–66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34%–66%)
• Feeling Constantly (67%–100%)
• Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Vision – Far Constantly (67%–100%)
• Vision – Near Constantly (67%–100%)
• Talking Constantly (67%–100%)
• Hearing Constantly (67%–100%)

Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.