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Patient Care Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

CNS Cares

Personal Care Assistant / PCA

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Personal Care Assistant - PCA Critical Nurse Staffing provides unparalleled home health care to the ... One-on-one patient care * Flexible Scheduling * 401(k) Matching 50% of up to 6% Critical Nurse ...

CNS Cares

Personal Care Assistant / PCA

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Personal Care Assistant - PCA Critical Nurse Staffing provides unparalleled home health care to the ... One-on-one patient care * Flexible Scheduling * 401(k) Matching 50% of up to 6% Critical Nurse ...

Touro University

Patient Care Coordinator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

The Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) coordinates the daily desk operations in the dental clinic and provides excellent customer service to both the patients and students of Touro College of Dental ...

Touro University

Patient Care Coordinator

Albuquerque, NM

$16.75 - $22/hr

The Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) coordinates the daily desk operations in the dental clinic and provides excellent customer service to both the patients and students of Touro College of Dental ...

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How much do patient care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient care assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, PCT or CNA?

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) generally earn higher wages than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) due to additional responsibilities and skills. PCTs often require more training and may perform more complex tasks, which can lead to higher pay rates in healthcare settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patient Care Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Care Assistant, you need a basic understanding of patient care, vital sign monitoring, and hygiene assistance, often supported by a high school diploma or completion of a nursing assistant program. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and basic medical equipment is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure patients receive safe, attentive care and support the efficient operation of healthcare teams.

What Is a Patient Care Assistant?

Patient care assistants provide basic care services to patients in a medical facility or a private residence under a nurse’s supervision. The patient care assistant aides both the nurse and the patient in completing daily tasks. In this career, your duties include checking vitals, helping with walking and bathing, collecting lab specimens, and charting changes in behavior, mood, or physical health. You help patients with basic needs like feeding and personal care as necessary. You do not provide medical care, but you do work directly with patients.

What is a Patient Care Assistant?

A Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and support to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other medical settings. Their responsibilities often include assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. PCAs also help monitor vital signs, report changes in patient conditions to nurses, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment. They work under the supervision of nurses or other medical staff and play a crucial role in supporting both patients and healthcare teams.

What is the role of a patient care assistant?

A patient care assistant (PCA) provides basic healthcare support to patients under the supervision of nurses or doctors. Their duties include assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, monitoring vital signs, and maintaining patient comfort in healthcare settings. PCAs often require certification and good communication skills to effectively support patient needs.

What are some common challenges Patient Care Assistants face, and how can they effectively manage them?

Patient Care Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple patient needs simultaneously, handling emotionally charged situations, and maintaining accurate documentation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to stay organized, communicate clearly with both patients and healthcare team members, and remain adaptable to changing priorities. Developing strong time-management skills and seeking support from colleagues can also help Patient Care Assistants provide the best possible care while minimizing stress.

How much does PCA get paid?

In Pennsylvania, Patient Care Assistants typically earn between $11 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. The average annual salary ranges from approximately $23,000 to $31,000. Certifications such as CPR and basic patient care skills can influence pay rates.

What is the difference between Patient Care Assistant vs Nursing Assistant?

AspectPatient Care AssistantNursing Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR and basic patient care trainingTypically requires CNA certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities
Job DutiesAssisting with daily activities, basic patient care, vital signsProviding basic nursing care, assisting with activities, monitoring patients

Both Patient Care Assistants and Nursing Assistants work in healthcare settings providing essential patient support. While their roles overlap significantly, Nursing Assistants usually require CNA certification and may perform more advanced nursing tasks. Patient Care Assistants often focus on basic patient support and daily activities, making both roles vital in patient care teams.

Is a CNA the same as a patient care assistant?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a trained healthcare worker who provides basic patient care under the supervision of nurses, often working in hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. A Patient Care Assistant (PCA) performs similar duties, including assisting with daily activities and vital signs, but job titles and specific responsibilities can vary by facility; both roles typically require certification or training programs.
More about Patient Care Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Patient Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Care Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Care Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Patient Care Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Patient Care Assistant job openings:
Patient Care Assistant jobs near you
PATIENT CARE TECH

PATIENT CARE TECH

University of New Mexico - Hospitals

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

UNM Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 885 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Receive 17% Weekday Nights, 26% Weekend Nights and 15% Weekend Day shift differentials

Compensation Disclaimer

Compensation for this role is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, and other business and organizational considerations.

Department: Mother & Baby Unit (3-E) Pavilion

FTE: 0.90
Full Time
Shift: Nights

Position Summary:
Provide basic patient care. Perform routine treatment procedures and assist in maintenance of a safe, clean environment. As directed by licensed staff, assist with invasive routine patient care procedures which may include phlebotomy, stage I and II wound care and urinary catheter insertions. Assist with specialty bed functions. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric age groups.

Detailed responsibilities:
* PATIENT OBSERVATION - Observe patient to ensure their safety and well being; report observations to Charge Nurse or appropriate designee
* PATIENT CARE - Provide basic patient care; take and record vital signs to include temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, height, blood pressure and intake-output measurements
* PATIENT CARE - Assist with activities of daily living (ADL): meals, ambulation, hygiene, linen change and toileting as instructed
* PATIENT CARE - Maintain therapeutic plan of care and minute to minute care of patient who is at extreme risk to self or others
* PATIENT CARE - Complete documentation as required on the Electronic Medical Record
* PATIENT CARE - Complete specific skills listed in the "University of New Mexico, Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Specific Functions" Matrix
* PATIENT CARE - As directed by licensed staff, assist with invasive routine patient care procedures which may include phlebotomy, stage I and II wound care and urinary catheter insertions
* DEVELOPMENT - Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings and workshops
* PATIENT SAFETY 1 - Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols
* PATIENT SAFETY 2 - Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
* PATIENT SAFETY 3 - Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
* PATIENT SAFETY 4 - Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
* PATIENT SAFETY 5 - Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"

Qualifications

Education:
Essential:
* High School or GED Equivalent
* Training
Nonessential:
* Certificate
* Program Graduate
Education specialization:
Essential:
* MA or PCT or CNA or DD214 or 2 sem nurs schl or UNMH Tech
Nonessential:
* Medical Assistant Program Graduate Certificate
* Certified Nursing Assistant Program Graduate

Experience:
Essential:
1/2 year (6 months) directly related experience
Nonessential:
No preferred experience

Credentials:
Essential:
* CPR for Healthcare/BLS Prov or Prof Rescuers w/in 30 days

Physical Conditions:
Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

Working conditions:
Essential:
* Sig Hazard: Chemicals, Bio Hazardous Materials req PPE
* Limited access to med room. Med Admin Policy, Att A
* Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and additionally as required

Sign-On Bonus Available

Department: Clinical Nursing Support

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