Patient Care Associate - PCA - Critical Care Units

Mercy Hospital St. Louis Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Competitive pay

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance for nursing degree

PTO accrues from day one

Volunteer time off

Career growth & development

Job summary

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking compassionate Patient Care Associates (PCAs) to join our Critical Care team. This role supports RN/LPN staff and helps provide patient-centered care in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Opportunities include Telemetry, MPCU, SPCU, CPCU, and Stepdown units. Candidates with a passion for nursing or pre-med studies are encouraged to apply and may pursue training and apprenticeships offered by Mercy.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Currently enrolled in a healthcare career program.
• No prior healthcare experience required.
• BLS certification within 1 month of hire.
• PCA competencies within 3 months of hire.
• Preferred: CNA certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care under RN/LPN supervision.
• Assist with designated clinical procedures and non-clinical tasks.
• Collaborate with the care team to deliver high-quality care.
• Support patients and families with compassionate care.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Currently enrolled in a healthcare career program

Mercy co-workers 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.

Patient Care Associate (PCA) OpportunitiesCritical Care Units | Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Position Details

St. Louis, MO

Full-Time & Part-Time Positions

Candidates must be available to work their scheduled hours year-round.

Night shift: 7pm-7am

Day shift: 7am-7pm

Rotating Weekends & Holidays Required

Start Your Healthcare Career in Critical Care

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking compassionate and motivated Patient Care Associates (PCAs) to join our Critical Care team. This is an incredible opportunity to gain hands‑on patient care experience while working alongside skilled nurses and healthcare professionals in a fast‑paced hospital environment.

Current Opportunities Include

• Telemetry 2
• Medical Progressive Care Unit (MPCU)
• Surgical Progressive Care Unit (SPCU)
• Cardiac Progressive Care Unit (CPCU)
• Stepdown Unit

Nursing & Pre-Med Students Encouraged to Apply

This role is an excellent fit for students pursuing careers in nursing, medicine, or other healthcare fields.

Please include your healthcare or nursing program on your resume and application.

Why Choose Mercy?

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 clinical experience, build meaningful relationships, and grow your career within a supportive team environment.

Recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 100 Places to Work

Benefits Starting on Day One

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Tuition Assistance Toward a Nursing Degree
• Paid Time Off Begins Accruing Immediately
• Volunteer Time Off Day
• Career Growth & Development Opportunities

What You'll Do

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the Patient Care Associate provides direct patient care and support services to help patients achieve their highest level of wellness. Responsibilities include both clinical and non-clinical duties while working collaboratively with the healthcare team to deliver exceptional patient care.

Paid Training Provided

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

No Healthcare Experience? No Problem!

Mercy’s PCA program is an accredited U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program, providing valuable hands‑on training and 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 prior healthcare experience required

Preferred

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification

Additional Requirements

• Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 1 month of hire
• Complete PCA competencies within 3 months of hire

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged standing and walking throughout shifts
• Ability to bend, kneel, squat, reach, twist, and grasp as required for patient care

A Culture That Truly Cares

At Mercy, compassion and professionalism go hand in hand. We support one another through every challenge, celebrate successes together, and remain committed to delivering exceptional care to our patients and community. Whether you're beginning your healthcare journey or building experience for nursing school, Mercy provides the training, mentorship, and support to help you succeed.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today and become part of a team that's dedicated to bringing healing and hope to those we serve.

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.