Patient Care Associate - Medical Stepdown

MHM Support Services; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition support

Matched retirement plans

Job summary

Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, MO, is seeking a Part-Time or Full-Time Patient Care Associate (PCA/PCT) to join a high acuity Medical Stepdown Team. Shifts include Day 6:30 AM–7:00 PM and Night 6:30 PM–7:00 AM, with a sign-on bonus offered for both day and night shifts.

The unit cares for medically complex patients requiring advanced therapies; training is provided through Mercy's accredited programs. Education and certifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, CNA/CPTC, BLS

Qualifications

• Education requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, CNA/CPTC certification, or enrollment in a healthcare program.
• Current Mercy co-workers are eligible.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

No prior experience required

BLS within 1 month

PCA competencies within 3 months

Education

High School Diploma / GED / CNA/CPTC certification / healthcare program enrollment

Job description

Position Details:

Patient Care Associate (PCA) / Patient Care Technician (PCT) Join Our High Acuity Medical Stepdown Team!

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.

To learn more about our Stepdown unit, click here: Careers

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.

Transforming the Health of Our Communities

Our Mercy health system was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But our heritage goes back more than 195 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who was determined to help women and children in Dublin experiencing poverty. Though Catherine had a modest upbringing, she received an unexpected inheritance that allowed her to fulfill that dream. In 1827, she opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, intending to teach skills to women and educate children. Many volunteers came to help. A few years later, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, one of the first religious orders whose Sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. In 1843, the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States. In 1856, they traveled to St. Louis. In the years to come, they would establish hospitals throughout the Midwest. Many of these would join together in 1986 as Mercy.

Click Here to Learn More about Mercy