Patient Care Associate - PCU | Full Time | Days

Singing River Health System; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Singing River Health System seeks a Patient Care Associate to provide basic nursing care under the direction of an RN or LPN. The role follows predefined plans and infection-control guidelines to support patient safety and comfort.

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with preferred Nurse Aide program completion and current CNA certification. BCLS and de‑escalation training are mandatory within specified timelines.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Successful completion of Nurse Assistant/Aide program preferred.
• Equivalent related work experience or completion of a Nurse Aide program required.
• Must complete and maintain BCLS certification.
• De-escalation training must be completed by 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic nursing care under RN/LPN supervision.
• Follow predefined care plans and infection control guidelines.
• Report to RN or LPN responsible for patient care management during a shift.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Emotional stability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Nurse Aide program

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Word

Job description

Introduction

At Singing River Health System, caring isn’t just part of the job — it’s in our DNA. Whether we’re saving lives, supporting behind the scenes, or showing up for our community, we bring the energy, heart, and hustle every single day. With pride, passion, and commitment, we will improve health and save lives in our community every day.

Shift & Location

Shift: 7:00am - 7:00pm
Location: Singing River Pascagoula Hospital

Job Description Summary

Position Overview: The Patient Care Associate provides basic nursing care (i.e. personal and restorative care) to patients according to predefined guidelines; a plan of care established by a Registered Nurse or LPN; and under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse or LPN. The plan of care will utilize the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control as well as the Singing River Health System Departments of Nursing Plan for Provision of Care, Treatment, and Services. Expectation is for all performed duties to be in accordance with Singing River Health System procedures and policies, accreditation organization, and governing guidance and publications for health care employees.

DISCLAIMER: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this intends to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks performed as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Successful completion of Nurse Assistant/Aide program preferred.

License

N/A

Certification

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant certification recognized by the State of Mississippi Department of Health preferred.
• (CNA Certification required upon hire for SNF unit)
• (Apprentices transferring to SNF will be allowed 120 days to schedule the skills exam. If not obtained within the 120 days, will be removed from the SNF unit)
• Must complete and maintain BCLS certification upon hire and/or transfer.
• Must have de-escalation training completed by the end of position orientation (90 days); must have appropriate level of de-escalation training.

Experience

Equivalent related work experience or completion of a Nurse Aide program required.

Reports to

Registered Nurse or LPN responsible for patient care management during a shift.

Supervises

None.

Physical Demands

• Work is moderately active: involves sitting with frequent requirements to move about the office, move about the facility, and to travel to another facility within the SRHS service area.
• Work involves exerting a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Work involves using many physical motions in performing daily work activities; subject to exposure of body fluids, sputum and tissues, which may carry the hazard of infectious disease.
• Work involves using repetitive motions: substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and or fingers while operating standard office equipment such as computer keyboard.
• Work involves being able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction; the ability to make fine discriminations in sound.
• Work requires close visual and acuity and the ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus, i.e. shift gaze from viewing a computer monitor to forms/printed material that are closer to compare data at close vision.
• Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue.
• Must be able to work schedules assigned with the understanding that changes may be instituted according to the needs of the hospital for off days, shifts or weekends.

Mental Demands

• Must demonstrate keen mental faculties/assessment and decision‑making abilities.
• Must demonstrate superior communication/speaking/enunciation skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone.
• Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess emotional stability conducive to dealing with high stress levels.
• Must demonstrate ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and the ability to multi‑task in complex situations is required.
• Must have the ability to maintain collaborative and respectable working relationships throughout SRHS and other organizations.

Special Demands

• Must possess superior customer service skills and professional etiquette.
• Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e., telephone, fax, etc.), MS Outlook and Word.
• Must be able to demonstrate appropriate clinical judgment and apply appropriate professional skills to a patient population of all ages.

Benefits and Culture

Let’s do big things together. Singing River is both a mission-driven healthcare provider and one of the largest employers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We offer best-of-industry benefits, scheduling options, and professional pathways for our employees. Within each of our three hospitals and 50+ primary care and specialty clinics, you'll find a team devoted to quality, teamwork, and service.