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

UNMHSCHS

PATIENT CARE TECH

Rio Rancho, NM

$14.50 - $19/hr

Provide direct, non-invasive, and routine patient care and related support services within an in-patient or out-patient environment. Interview patients and take vital signs. Perform activities of ...

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Patient Care Associate information

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$11

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$27

How much do patient care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient care associate in Rio Rancho, NM is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Patient Care Associates?

Patient Care Associates (PCAs) are healthcare professionals who assist nurses and other medical staff in providing basic care to patients in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. Their responsibilities often include helping patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. PCAs also monitor vital signs, report changes in patient conditions, and ensure a safe and clean environment. They play a critical role in supporting both patients and the healthcare team, fostering comfort and well-being during a patient’s stay.

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

To thrive as a Patient Care Associate, you need a solid understanding of basic patient care, vital sign monitoring, and infection control, often supported by a high school diploma and completion of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and basic medical equipment is typically required. Strong communication, compassion, and teamwork skills help Patient Care Associates effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare professionals. These abilities are crucial for delivering safe, high-quality patient care and maintaining efficient healthcare operations.

What are some of the common challenges Patient Care Associates face when balancing patient needs with administrative tasks?

Patient Care Associates often find themselves juggling direct patient care responsibilities—such as assisting with daily living activities and monitoring vital signs—with necessary administrative duties like updating patient records and coordinating with nursing staff. Time management and prioritization are key challenges, especially during busy shifts or in understaffed situations. Effective communication and teamwork help ensure that patient needs are met promptly without compromising documentation and procedural accuracy. Developing strong organizational skills can make it easier to manage these demands and provide high-quality patient care.

What Is a Patient Care Associate?

A patient care associate works to meet the basic needs of patients in a variety of healthcare facilities, especially hospitals and nursing homes. Some employers refer to people in this position as a "nursing assistant." In this career, your job duties include checking vital signs, feeding patients who are not able to feed themselves, changing and cleaning bedding, and moving or turning patients. This career requires basic medical training, but you do not need a specific degree. Some patient care associates may have additional duties depending on their level of certification.

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

AspectPatient Care AssociateCertified Nursing Assistant
CertificationsTypically requires a Patient Care Technician or similar certificationRequires CNA certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities
Job DutiesAssisting with patient care, vital signs, basic proceduresBasic patient care, hygiene, vital signs, mobility assistance

Both roles involve direct patient care in healthcare settings and may require similar certifications. However, Patient Care Associates often have a broader scope of duties and may work in more diverse environments, while CNAs focus primarily on basic patient assistance and hygiene tasks.

More about Patient Care Associate 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 cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Patient Care Associate jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Patient Care Associate job openings:
Patient Care Associate jobs near you
PATIENT CARE TECH

PATIENT CARE TECH

University of New Mexico - Hospitals

Bernalillo, NM

$16.09 - $24.79/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

UNM Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 869 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: Pediatric Emergency Department

FTE: 0.90
Full Time
Shift: Rotating

Position Summary:
Provide direct, non-invasive, and routine patient care and related support services within an in-patient or out-patient environment. Interview patients and take vital signs. Perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Maintain supplies and equipment. Delivers dirty instrument trays. Transport patients. Assist orientation of new staff members. Position patients unable to do self- care. Assist patients with prescribed exercise regimen; perform routine tube care; change catheter bags; collect non sterile specimens; perform oral suctioning; perform I&O including documentation of bowel & bladder function. Observe patients. Operate Hoyer lift; perform daily heights and weights. 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
* 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
* Certificate
Education specialization:
Essential:
* CNA or Cert EMTB (ICU & ED) or 1 semester accredit nurs pgm

Experience:
Essential:
Nonessential:
Bilingual English, Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo 6 months patient care 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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