Patient Care Associate - Medical Stepdown

Mercy Hospital St. Louis Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition support

Paid time off

Matched retirement plans

Job summary

Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, MO is seeking a Patient Care Associate (PCA) or Patient Care Technician (PCT) to support a high-acuity Medical Stepdown unit.

Positions offer part-time and full-time schedules, with day and night shifts available and a sign-on bonus structure. Mercy provides a 175-hour PCA training program or a DOL‑apprenticeship pathway for those new to healthcare, plus a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma, GED, CNA/CPTC certification, or enrollment in a healthcare career program.
• No prior experience required; on-the-job training provided.

Responsibilities

• Record vital signs and enter data into the EMR.
• Assist patients with daily needs (meals, bathing, mobility).
• Provide clerical support as needed.
• For PCT: perform phlebotomy, wound care, IV/ catheter removal, and trach care per scope.

Skills

Vital signs

Patient assistance

EMR entry

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma / GED

CNA/CPTC certification

Healthcare program enrollment

Tools

EMR system

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 patients 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.

Patient Care Associate (PCA) / Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Join Our High Acuity Medical Stepdown Team!

Position Details

Location: Mercy Hospital South - 10010 Kennerly Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128

Schedule: Part-Time | 24 hours/week, Full-Time | 36 hours/week

Shift: Day Shift | 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Night Shift | 6:30 PM – 7:00 AM

Sign-On Bonus: (24+ hours/week) – No Contract Required!

• $1,000 for Day Shift (paid in three installments: $250 at 90 days, $250 at 6 months, $500 at 12 months)
• $3,000 for Night Shift (paid in three installments: $750 at 90 days, $750 at 6 months, $1,500 at 12 months)

About the Unit – Medical Stepdown

Are you a nurse who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys caring for medically complex patients? Our high acuity Medical Stepdown Unit provides advanced care for patients who require close monitoring and specialized nursing expertise. We care for a diverse patient population, including those with respiratory failure, sepsis, cardiac conditions, renal disease, complex infections, metabolic disorders, and multiple chronic comorbidities requiring intensive medical management.

Nurses on our unit develop strong assessment and critical thinking skills while caring for patients with high-flow oxygen, BiPAP, tracheostomies/ventilators, cardiac telemetry, chest tubes, continuous medication infusions, and other advanced therapies. As a vital member of the interdisciplinary team, you’ll play a key role in recognizing subtle changes in patient condition, preventing complications, and guiding patients through recovery.

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding specialty where every shift offers opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference, our high acuity Medical Stepdown Unit is the place for you. Join our team and deliver exceptional care to patients who need it most.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma, GED, CNA/CPTC certification, or enrollment in a healthcare career program through high school. Current Mercy co-workers are also eligible.
• Experience: No prior experience required
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs. regularly
  • Prolonged standing and walking during shifts
  • Ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within one month of hire
• Completion of PCA competencies within three months of hire

Key Responsibilities

As a Patient Care Associate (PCA)

• Record vital signs and enter data into the electronic medical record
• Assist patients with daily needs (meals, bathing, toileting, mobility, transportation)
• Provide clerical support as needed

As a Patient Care Technician (PCT): Includes all PCA responsibilities, plus:

• Perform phlebotomy and collect blood cultures
• Administer enteral feedings
• Provide wound care
• Remove IVs and Foley catheters
• Perform tracheostomy care and suctioning

Training & Development

• Mercy’s PCA training program is an accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship, offering hands‑on experience and valuable credentials in a supportive healthcare environment.
• If you have no prior experience, Mercy provides a 175‑hour training program that meets Department of Health and Senior Services requirements. This must be completed within 90 days of hire.

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.

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