Patient Care Associate - PCA - Burn ICU

Mercy; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) with Employer Match

Education Assistance Toward a Nursing

Paid Time Off Begins Accruing

Volunteer Day Benefit

Career Development & Advancement

Job summary

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking a Patient Care Associate (PCA) for the Burn ICU to assist in direct patient care under RN/LPN supervision. The role centers on wound care, hygiene, and critical care support for burn patients in a specialized unit.

Ideal candidates include nursing students or pre-med students; training is provided, including a 175‑hour PCA program. Mercy emphasizes mission-driven care and professional growth within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Currently enrolled in a healthcare career program (including healthcare-focused programs).
• Mercy co-workers are encouraged to apply.
• No healthcare experience required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily hygiene and personal care needs.
• Assist with sterile dressing changes and advanced wound care procedures.
• Ambulate, reposition, and transfer patients safely.
• Observe and report changes in patient condition.
• Obtain and document vital signs.

Skills

Compassionate care

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Currently enrolled in a healthcare career program

Current Mercy co-workers are encouraged to apply

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.

Position Details:

Patient Care Associate (PCA) – Burn ICU

Mercy Hospital St. Louis

St. Louis, MO

Now Hiring – Full-Time Nights and Full - Time Days

N7 PM- 7AM Days : 7am - 7PM

Rotating Weekends & Holidays Required

Build Your Healthcare Career in a Specialized Burn ICU

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking compassionate, motivated, and detail-oriented Patient Care Associates (PCAs) to join our highly specialized Burn Intensive Care Unit (Burn ICU) team.

This unique opportunity allows you to work alongside experienced critical care nurses, physicians, and multidisciplinary specialists caring for patients with complex burn injuries, wound care needs, and critical illnesses. You'll gain valuable hands‑on experience in an advanced critical care environment while making a meaningful difference in patients' recovery journeys.

Nursing & Pre-Med Students Encouraged to Apply

This role is an excellent fit for students pursuing careers in:

• Nursing
• Medicine
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Other Healthcare Fields

Please list your healthcare program, nursing program, or career pathway on your resume and application.

Why Join Mercy St. Louis?

At Mercy, you're more than an employee. You're part of a mission‑driven organization dedicated to providing exceptional care with compassion, dignity, and respect.

You’ll gain valuable critical care experience, develop strong clinical skills, and work alongside a team that is committed to supporting your growth and success.

Named one of Modern Healthcare's Top 100 Places to Work

Benefits Starting Day One

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Education Assistance Toward a Nursing Degree
• Paid Time Off Begins Accruing Immediately
• Volunteer Day Benefit
• Career Development & Advancement Opportunities

Job Overview

Under the direction of an RN or LPN, the Patient Care Associate performs direct patient care activities and supports the Burn ICU team in delivering exceptional care to critically ill patients.

As an essential member of the care team, you will assist with both clinical and non‑clinical responsibilities while helping patients achieve their highest level of wellness and recovery.

What You'll Do

Direct Patient Care

• Assist with daily hygiene and personal care needs
• Assist with sterile dressing changes and advanced wound care procedures
• Support burn dressing changes, wound assessments, and hydrotherapy treatments
• Maintain sterile technique during wound care and dressing change procedures, as delegated and within scope of practice
• Ambulate, reposition, and transfer patients safely
• Assist with feeding and monitor patient intake and output
• Observe and report changes in patient condition
• Obtain and document vital signs
• Provide skin care and assist in preventing skin breakdown
• Support patient comfort and safety throughout hospitalization

Paid Training Program

No Experience? No Problem!

Mercy provides a 175-hour Department of Health and Senior Services‑approved PCA Training Program, completed during orientation and within your first 90 days of employment.

Mercy's PCA Training Program is also an accredited U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program, providing valuable hands‑on experience, mentorship, and nationally recognized credentials to support your healthcare career journey.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED
• Currently enrolled in a healthcare career program (including healthcare‑focused high school programs)
• Current Mercy co‑workers are encouraged to apply

Experience

• No previous healthcare experience required

Preferred

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Previous healthcare, patient care, or clinical experience
• Interest in critical care, burn care, emergency medicine, or nursing

Requirements

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 1 month of hire
• Completion of PCA competencies within 3 months of hire
• Maintain required certifications and training requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged standing and walking throughout shifts
• Frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, twisting, gripping, and squatting
• Ability to safely assist patients with mobility and positioning

A Culture That Cares

At Mercy, compassion and professionalism go hand in hand. We value teamwork, advocacy, and going the extra mile to deliver exceptional care to our patients and families.

Working in the Burn ICU offers a unique opportunity to build advanced patient care skills while supporting individuals through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Our team will support you through every shift while providing opportunities to learn, grow, and develop your future healthcare career.

Whether you're pursuing nursing school, medical school, or another healthcare profession, the Burn ICU provides an exceptional learning environment where you'll gain meaningful critical care experience.

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.