Patient Care Assistant

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides nursing staff support in the areas of patient care delivery, clerical functions, and organization of the unit environment, as well as set-up and maintenance of equipment. The emphasis on each of these areas will depend on the unit assigned

Essential Duties:

• The clinical practice of the Patient Care Assistant is to assist the RN in the provision of care to the patient. The PCA (PCT) gathers data, reports that data to the RN on a timely basis, accurately documents that data, and assists the patient in performing activities of daily living, as needed. The PCA (PCT) actively collaborates with and takes direction from the RN about the patients plan of care. The priority of the PCA is to assist the RN in progressing the patient toward improvement or maintenance of optimal physiological, psychological and social states.
• Provides RN with necessary data related to patient assessment.
• Contributes input into the patients plan of care and accurately implements interventions on the patients plan of care, in collaboration with the RN.
• Performs essential skills which contribute to the RNs plan of care and positive patient outcomes.
• Ensures that patients are provided assistance as needed with activities of daily living and mobility.
• To ensure patient satisfaction, anticipates patient needs, keeps patient informed and explains all procedures.
• Prevents complications by assisting patient with the appropriate use of therapeutic interventions, patient care equipment and assistive devices.
• Flexibility in collaborating with the RN to modify the patients plan of care to meet the changing needs of the patient.
• Identifies interventions which are not producing the desired outcomes and communicates these to the RN on an ongoing basis.
• Prioritizes patient care needs appropriately.
• Documents all care provided, including vital signs, intake and output, meal percentages and equipment used, and effectively communicates abnormal findings to the RN.
• Communication: Knows and follows line of communication within the department. Reports to RN/Charge Nurse pertinent information/significant change in patient condition/patient and family concerns of care in a timely manner. Reports to RN/Charge Nurse patients inability to perform self-care and describes actions taken which were ineffective. Actively collaborates with the RN regarding patient care and patient flow.
• Communication: Knows and utilizes all computerized systems to send messages, document care, and communicate patient/unit needs to various departments.
• Demonstrates the ability to assist in the provision of care
• Adherence to National Patient Safety Goals in all areas of practice,
• Accurately utilizes Cerner system documentation,
• Coordinates patient flow, prioritizes nursing activities according to patient care needs and the surgical schedule.
• Performs proper use of pre-op equipments (EKG, computer). Following proper procedures in quality control, and care of the equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Req High school or equivalent
• Req Specialized/technical training Graduate from an accredited Certified Nursing Program. (*Grandfathered from CNA Certification requirement, if hired/transferred prior to 8/2016.)
• Req Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pref 1 year Experience in an acute care setting prior to application preferred.
• Pref Previous medical training (EMT, PT Aide, or enrolled in a nursing program) preferred

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req Certified Nursing Assistant (CA DPH) *Grandfathered from CNA Certification requirement, if hired/transferred prior to 8/2016.
• Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

The hourly rate range for this position is $18.20 - $30.97. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

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