Position Summary

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Patient Care Associate assists in providing individualized patient care to help patients achieve their highest level of wellness. The PCA performs designated clinical procedures and non-clinical support tasks while working collaboratively as part of the healthcare team.

Primary Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Assist patients with daily hygiene and personal care activities.
• Support routine patient activities including:
  • Ambulation
  • Feeding assistance
  • Intake documentation
  • Turning and repositioning patients
  • Monitoring for skin breakdown and utilizing appropriate supplies
• Observe patient conditions and promptly report any changes or unusual occurrences to the appropriate healthcare personnel.
• Participate in patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, including management of patient belongings.
• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment and effective time management skills.

Documentation & Clinical Support

• Collect and document patient data, including vital signs, in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Prepare charts for admissions, discharges, and transfers.
• File reports accurately and timely.
• Perform unit-specific point-of-care testing or specimen collection, such as glucose monitoring, when applicable.
• Assist with charge reconciliation and appropriate documentation of services.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare team members.
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments and workload while operating within scope of practice.
• Accept delegated responsibilities and support overall unit goals.
• Maintain compliance with required certifications, competencies, and e-learning assignments.

Clerical & Administrative Support

• Answer phones and monitor call lights.
• Utilize unit-specific communication and operational technology.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Safety & Quality

• Follow Mercy policies and procedures related to patient safety, confidentiality, and patient rights.
• Demonstrate knowledge of infection prevention and control practices.
• Maintain a safe patient environment through:
  • Fall precautions
  • Restraint management
  • Patient identification protocols
  • Safe patient handling practices
  • Department-specific safety procedures
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives designed to enhance patient care outcomes.

Technology

• Utilize unit-specific technology and communication tools, including:
  • Computer systems
  • Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
  • Pagers
  • Zone phones
  • Rover devices
  • Other unit-based technologies

Qualifications

Education

One of the following is required:

• High school diploma or GED
• CNA or CPTC certification
• Enrollment in a healthcare career program through a high school curriculum
• Age 18 or older and eligible to participate in Mercy's UAP Training Program
• Current Mercy co-worker

Experience

• No previous experience required.

Training Requirements

• If no previous qualifying experience is present, Mercy provides a required 175-hour training program that meets Department of Health and Senior Services requirements.
• Training must be completed as part of the new-hire orientation process and within 90 days of hire to remain eligible for the PCA role.

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within one month of hire
• PCA competencies must be completed within three months of hire

Physical Requirements

• Frequently push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged standing and walking throughout the shift
• Ability to:
  • Reach and grip
  • Bend and kneel
  • Twist and squat
  • Perform other physical activities necessary for patient care

Why Join Mercy?

Join a team dedicated to delivering exceptional care to pediatric and critically ill patients while supporting families through every step of their healthcare journey. If you are compassionate, dependable, and eager to make a difference, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.