Patient Care Associate - Med 3 (Days)

Mercy; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Tuition support

Retirement plan matching

Job summary

Mercy in Fort Smith, AR, is seeking a Patient Care Associate (PCA) to assist nurses, obtain vital signs, and support patient care tasks under supervision. The role supports mobility, meals, hygiene, and transport, with potential to advance to a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and beyond.

Training includes an accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program; for individuals with no prior experience, a 175-hour training program is provided during new-hire orientation, with BLS within one month

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma, G.E.D, CNA/CPTC, or enrolled in a healthcare career program.
• Experience: None required.
• Minimum Physical Requirements: ability to push/pull 50 pounds, prolonged standing/walking, bending/kneeling/twisting.
• Preferred Certifications: CNA.

Responsibilities

• Obtain vital signs and document in EMR.
• Assist with patient care needs (meals, bathing, toileting, mobility, transport).
• Clerical support duties as needed.
• PCA progression to PCT duties (phlebotomy, enteral feeding, wound care, IV/Foley removal, trach care).

Education

High school diploma / G.E.D / CNA/CPTC, or enrolled in a healthcare career program

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy!

Under the direction of the RN or LPN, assists in the individualized care of the patient to achieve the patient's highest level of wellness. Works cooperatively with others as part of a team; recognizes the importance of group goals. Performs designated clinical procedures and non-clinical support tasks essential to providing care to the patient.

Position Details:

Position: Patient Care Associate-PCA

Department: Med 3 (3400/3500)

Shift: Full Time Days, 36hrs a week

Job Duties:

• Opportunity for advancement through career ladder to Patient Care Technician (PCT) and/or beyond.
• Responsibilities for Patient Care Associate (PCA):
  • Obtain vital signs and document into the electronic medical records system
  • Assist with patient care needs including, meals, bathing, toileting, ambulation, patient mobility, and transport.
  • Clerical support duties, as needed.
• Responsibilities for Patient Care Technician (PCT):
  • Patient Care Associate job duties.
  • Phlebotomy/blood cultures
  • Enteral Feeding
  • Wound care
  • IV/Foley removal
  • Trach care/suctioning

Training:

• Our Patient Care Associate training program is an accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program, providing a comprehensive, hands-on experience. Join Mercy to gain valuable skills and credentials through this program in a supportive healthcare environment!
• If no previous experience, Mercy will provide a required 175-hour training program that meets the Department of Health and Senior Services requirements. The program will be completed as part of the new hire orientation process and must be completed within 90 days of hire to remain in the PCA position per state guidelines.
• BLS Required within one month of hire, completion of PCA competencies within 3 months of hire

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma, G.E.D, CNA/CPTC. or enrolled in a healthcare career program through their high school curriculum, and/or a current co-worker of Mercy.
• Experience: None required
• Minimum Physical Requirements:
  • Position requires individuals to push, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds on a regular basis
  • Position requires prolonged standing and walking each shift
  • Position requires the ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties
• Preferred Certifications: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.