Patient Care Associate, 6a-6p, Full Time/EOW, Float Pool

Unity Health; Searcy (AR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Unity Health in Searcy, Arkansas is seeking a compassionate individual for direct and indirect patient care duties, guided by the RN and LPN. This role involves assisting patients with personal hygiene, monitoring vital signs, and maintaining a safe environment.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma and a willingness to learn. Responsibilities include adhering to infection control guidelines and supporting patients’ daily activities. Good physical stamina is essential, given the lifting and moving of patients.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent required.
• Ability to read, use simple math skills, and write clearly and legibly.
• Previous experience as a nursing assistant or other patient‑related position desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform direct and indirect patient care duties under RN and LPN guidance.
• Support basic human, mental, spiritual, and social needs of patients.
• Maintain clean and safe patient areas, following infection control guidelines.

Skills

Ability to read and write clearly

Simple math skills

Patient care skills

Housekeeping skills

Education

High school graduation or equivalent

Job description

Education & Experience

• High school graduation or equivalent required.
• Ability to read, use simple math skills, and write clearly and legibly.
• Previous experience as a nursing assistant or other patient‑related position desirable but not required.

Job Knowledge

• Ability to perform duties for direct and indirect patient care.
• Direct care duties include assisting the patient with personal hygiene needs and observing the patient’s condition, vital signs, feeding and elimination patterns.
• Indirect duties may include general housekeeping skills, ordering and maintenance of supplies, and simple computer entry ability.

Safety Sensitive

In the interest of protecting the health and safety of all patients, associates, and guests, Unity Health has classified some positions as “safety sensitive.” A “safety sensitive” position is any job position in which impaired performance could result in harm to the health and/or safety of self or others. Any associate that is actively engaged in the use of medical marijuana, even if in possession of a valid medical marijuana card, will be excluded from employment in a “safety sensitive” position.

Description

Performs direct and indirect patient care duties under the guidance and direction of the RN and LPN. Responsible for implementing components of the plan of care through initiation and completion of procedures relating to basic human, mental, spiritual, and social needs; comfort and safety measures; activities of daily living; personal care; nutrition and fluid needs; and elimination needs. Indirect patient care includes, but is not limited to, cleaning occupied and unoccupied patient areas and maintaining an environment that is neat and free of hazards to the patient’s well‑being. An understanding of and willingness to follow infection control and safety guidelines is mandatory. Supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

Physical Requirements

Maintains good physical and emotional well‑being. Job responsibilities require a considerable amount of physical work. The individual will be required to assist with lifting and moving patients, pushing carts, wheelchairs, and other equipment; and lifting or pushing up to 50 pounds. The individual must be able to bend over to perform certain duties, e.g., assist patient in putting on footwear, check urinary output, etc., and also be able to maneuver throughout halls, stairways, and patient rooms in response to hospital emergencies. Interpretation of environmental input requires visual and auditory skills. A significant amount of writing and computer entry is required. Trips to various departments will be required. The position may involve some heavy exposure to malodorous, infectious body fluids from patients and some minimal exposure to noxious smells from cleansing agents. Exposure to infectious wastes and body fluids may mandate wearing gloves, masks, gowns, and goggles.