PCA I, Geriatric Medical Psych, Float, Per Diem

UMass Memorial Health; New York, West Haven (NY, MA, CT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking health system committed to exceptional patient care and academic excellence. As a Patient Care Assistant/Mental Health Aide, you will play a crucial role in supporting the personal and emotional needs of patients across various age groups. This position offers an opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team, ensuring the highest standards of care while participating in ongoing education and improvement initiatives. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of patients and thrive in a collaborative environment, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• No experience required if certified; equivalent experience is needed if not certified.
• Must have Basic Life Support Certification within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients.

Skills

Patient Care

Communication Skills

Basic Life Support

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

American Heart Association Certification

Job description

Position: Patient Care Assistant / Mental Health Aide

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule Details: Holidays - One Major Summer Holiday, Holidays - One Major Winter Holiday

Scheduled Hours: Mixed 8-hour shifts

Shift: 4 - Mixed Shift, 8 Hours (United States of America)

Cost Center: 24070 - 0610 Psych Ip Geriatric

This position may have a signing bonus available; a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process.

Everyone Is a Caregiver

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver—regardless of their title or responsibilities. Our commitment to exceptional patient care, academic excellence, and leading-edge research makes us the premier health system of Central Massachusetts. With over 16,000 employees, we work together as one health system in relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community, and each other. Every individual plays an important part, every day.

The patient care assistant/mental health aide performs various patient care activities and related non-professional services necessary to care for the personal and emotional needs of adolescent (15+ years, Medical Surgical units only), adult, and/or geriatric patients under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.

I. Major Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrates understanding of comfort/safety measures required of the population served.
2. Attends ongoing/continuing education programs as appropriate to maintain knowledge base.
3. Performs patient care activities as prescribed by the registered nurse based on established protocols.
4. Adheres to standards of care appropriate to patients assigned and consistent with job skills.
5. Utilizes the correct format for all documentation.
6. Reports significant patient information in a timely manner.
7. Uses effective/respectful communication techniques based on the level of understanding.
8. Assists/participates in monitoring activities related to improvement initiatives.
9. Supports new techniques/procedures to improve efficiency and quality of patient care.
10. Seeks opportunities to participate in new learning experiences.
11. Maintains/promotes a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients, visitors, and staff members.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:

• Required: No experience required if certified; if not certified, equivalent experience is required.
• High school graduate or equivalent preferred; certification or equivalent experience required.
• Receives on-the-job training under close supervision.
• Additional preparation and approval required for catheterization (male PCA only).
• American Heart Association certification for healthcare provider required upon hire or during orientation, renewed every two years.
• Current Basic Life Support Certification required within 30 days of hire.

Unless certification, licensure, or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides proficiency in the responsibilities listed may be substituted.

Harrington Hospital Requirement: Avade 2 (restraint) training completion required within 6 months of hire into role.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

We strive to embed respect in everything we do at UMass Memorial Health—toward our patients, community, and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player, and Be Kind. If you share these values, we invite you to join our team and help us uphold respect for everyone, every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of varied backgrounds. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to submit an application due to disability or incompatible assistive technology, please contact us at [e-mail]. We will respond promptly to your request for assistance.