Patient Care Associate

Position: Patient Care Associate (PCA)
Location: New York
Shift: Night Shift, 11:00 PM – 7:15 AM
Contract Duration: 8 weeks
Schedule: 5 days/week, 7.5 hours/day, 37.5 hours/week
Department: Med Surg Unit
Hourly rate: $21/hour on W2 Negotiable

Role Overview:
The Patient Care Associate is a vital member of the clinical care team supporting registered nurses by providing patient-focused care within the Specialty Service. This role involves assisting patients with daily living activities, performing clinical procedures, maintaining a safe environment, and supporting overall patient well-being during the night shift. Hospital experience and the ability to float to all Med Surg units are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Care:
  • Assist patients with activities of daily living (feeding, bathing, toileting, ambulation, etc.)
  • Perform and document vital signs (BP, pulse, temperature, respirations) and pain assessment
  • Collect specimens, perform venipuncture, EKGs, post-mortem care, and assist with skin integrity maintenance
  • Support patient mobility and orientation to the clinical environment
• Clinical Support:
  • Set up and assist with clinical procedures as directed by RN
  • Perform one-to-one patient observation (safety, elopement, suicide prevention)
  • Maintain isolation precautions by RN instructions
  • Conduct purposeful rounding focused on toileting, comfort, positioning, and pain awareness
• Environmental & Dietary Assistance:
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and functional patient environment
  • Assist with room maintenance (bed-stripping, trash removal)
  • Deliver and collect patient trays, assist with menu completion, and report dietary concerns
• Communication & Coordination:
  • Utilize Vocera communication system effectively
  • Greet visitors, answer calls, and escort as necessary
  • Transport patients and specimens as required
  • Maintain and update communication boards, logs, and patient records
• Additional Duties:
  • Perform emergency clean-up, transport, and discharge bedmaking
  • Assist in maintaining supplies and equipment care
  • Follow all protocols and complete assigned reports

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• AHA Heart Saver or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification mandatory
• Hospital experience is highly preferred (3 to 9 months in healthcare recommended)
• Completion of Patient Care Associate Orientation Program
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written English)
• Ability to prioritize, solve problems, and exercise good judgment in challenging situations
• Physical stamina and manual dexterity to perform clinical and patient care tasks
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for patient diversity