Patient Care Associate -PCA - Surgical & Orthopedic Unit - FT/Days

Mercy Hospital St. Louis Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; Washington (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Paid Parental Leave

Education assistance

PTO and volunteering

Job summary

Mercy Hospital Washington is seeking a compassionate Patient Care Associate (PCA) to join our Surgical & Orthopedic Unit. Under RN/LPN supervision, you will assist with daily care, monitor vital signs, support meals, hygiene, and mobility, and ensure patient comfort.

This full-time day shift position offers a $1,500 sign-on bonus for eligible applicants and a comprehensive benefits package with a structured training pathway including a 175-hour program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• CNA/CPTC certification or enrollment in a healthcare career program is preferred.
• No prior healthcare experience required; Mercy will train you.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and record vital signs in the electronic medical record.
• Assist patients with meals, hygiene, toileting, ambulation, and transport.
• Provide clerical support as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

No prior experience required

Education

High school diploma or GED

CNA/CPTC certification or enrollment in healthcare program

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy!

Job Description

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

Position: Patient Care Associate (PCA)

Department: Surgical & Orthopedic Unit

Shift: Full-Time | Days | 36 hours per week

Join Our Team at Mercy Hospital Washington!

• Day Shift SIGN ON BONUS-$1,500*** (FT ONLY)

Department Overview

Our High-energy, Fast-paced 30-bed Med/Surg Unit Provides Exceptional Care! We Specialize In Caring For a Diverse Range Of Medical And Post-operative Patients, Including But Not Limited To

• Orthopedic procedures (knees, hips, shoulders)
• General surgeries (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colon resections)
• Bariatric surgery
• Sepsis, pancreatitis, and stable pneumothorax

Our nurse-to-patient ratio averages 1:6, supported by a strong team of Patient Care Associates (PCAs). The unit is known for its teamwork, compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence — making it a great place to learn, grow, and make a difference every day.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of an RN or LPN, the Patient Care Associate provides hands‑on care and support to patients, helping them achieve their highest level of wellness and comfort.

Responsibilities

Patient Care Associate (PCA)

• Obtain and record vital signs in the electronic medical record
• Assist patients with meals, hygiene, toileting, ambulation, and transport
• Provide clerical support as needed

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

In addition to PCA duties, PCTs perform:

• Phlebotomy and blood cultures
• Enteral feedings
• Wound care
• IV/Foley removal
• Tracheostomy care and suctioning

Advancement opportunities available through our career ladder from PCA to PCT and beyond!

Training & Development

Our PCA Training Program is an accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship, offering comprehensive, hands‑on experience in a supportive learning environment.

If you do not have prior experience, Mercy provides a 175‑hour training program (meeting Department of Health and Senior Services standards) to be completed within 90 days of hire.

• BLS Certification: Required within 1 month of hire
• Competencies: Completed within 3 months of hire

Education

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• CNA/CPTC certification, enrollment in a healthcare career program, or current Mercy co‑worker preferred

Experience

• No prior experience required – we will train you!

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and squatting

Preferred: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Benefits

• Education assistance toward nursing degrees
• Health, dental, and vision coverage starting day one
• 401(k) with employer match beginning day one
• Paid Parental Leave for new parents
• Annual contribution of $100/month to eligible Dependent Care FSA
• PTO accrual starts day one and includes a day for volunteering
• Competitive pay and growth opportunities within Mercy

Join a team where compassion meets excellence — and every day brings an opportunity to make a difference.

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.