Patient Care Aide - Helen Keller Hospital, Family Medicine Floor, PRN, 1st Shift - Huntsville Hospital Health System

Assist the Registered Nurse or the Licensed Practical Nurse in patient care tasks not requiring licensure.  Implements care under the supervision of an RN or LPN.

• Provides appropriate hygiene care assistance to the patient; able to position patients in proper body alignment; care for patient in isolation.
• Provides assistance to the patient with nutritional/hydration needs.
• Provides elimination assistance to the patient as appropriate; correctly collects and labels specimens as directed.
• Assists with transport of patients in appropriate mode in transferring or discharging of patients; safely supports patient in ambulation needs safely.
• Communicates patient’s status and progress to the primary nurse; communicates appropriately with patients and family/visitors and hospital team members.
• Obtains vital signs accurately upon admission, as routine, and/or directed by the licensed nurse. Assists in admission, transfer and discharge of patient.
• Provides explanation to patient and family prior to administering care to patient; answers questions within scope of practice.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized, and function under stressful situations.
• Responds to patient in emergency or physically distressful situations.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Assumes accountability for appropriate utilization of resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned, within the Patient Care Aide’s scope of practice.

Education:   

High school graduate or GED preferred.

Experience: 

Demonstrate the ability and knowledge of proper skills, technique and attempts these when the situation arises. Certification by state exam or former employer, National Certification, or prior healthcare facility experience, or successful completion of the fundamental of Nursing semester/quarter of nursing school.

Additional Skills/Abilities:

CPR certification or capability to certify within 90 days; capable of working hours assigned to include (all) shifts, weekends, and holidays.  Able to work   under occasional stress related to care of acutely ill patients.