Patient Care Associate

Job Title: Patient Care Associate (PCA)
Location: New York, NY
Contract Duration: 8 weeks
Shift Details: EVENING SHIFT - 3PM-11:15PM
Days/Week: 5/ Hours/Week: 37.5
Note: Required to float to all Med-Surg units
Hospital experience required
Hourly rate: $21/hour Negotiable

Role Overview:
As a vital member of the clinical care team, the Patient Care Associate (PCA) provides essential patient care and support in a hospital specialty setting. The role focuses on assisting registered nurses with daily care activities, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout their hospital stay.

Key Responsibilities:
Patient Care & Support:

• Record vital signs: BP, pulse, temperature, respiration
• Document intake/output and other relevant data
• Assist with activities of daily living (feeding, bathing, toileting, ambulation)
• Perform clinical procedures: specimen collection, EKG, venipuncture, post-mortem care
• Maintain skin integrity and assist with mobility

Safety & Monitoring:

• Conduct one-to-one or close patient observation (e.g., suicide prevention, elopement risk)
• Follow isolation protocols as directed
• Perform purposeful rounding, addressing toileting, comfort, pain, and repositioning needs

Dietary & Environment Support:

• Deliver/collect meal trays, assist with menu completion
• Mix nutritional supplements and report dietary concerns to RN/Dietitian
• Maintain room cleanliness (bed stripping, trash removal)

Administrative & Communication Support:

• Answer phones and call systems promptly and courteously
• Escort visitors and transport patients
• Update communication boards, medical records, and Admission/Transfer/Discharge systems
• Operate pneumatic tube system when needed

ICU/Specialty Unit Support:

• Assist with emergency clean-up and transport
• Perform discharge bed-making
• Transport specimens and maintain equipment/supply levels

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required
• Certification: BLS required
• Experience: 3–9 months of healthcare experience preferred; hospital experience required
• Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
  • Ability to prioritize, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment
  • English proficiency (oral and written)
  • Physical stamina and dexterity for hands-on patient care
  • Completion of PCA Orientation Program (provided by client hospital)