Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Job Description
Job Title: Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
Position Summary
The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides direct personal care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to residents under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The PCA promotes residents' comfort, dignity, safety, and independence while complying with all federal, state of Connecticut, and facility policies and procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assist residents with activities of daily living, including:
Bathing and personal hygiene
Dressing and grooming
Toileting and incontinence care
Oral care
Feeding and hydration assistance
Ambulation and transfers using appropriate equipment and techniques
Assist residents with positioning and turning to maintain skin integrity.
Make occupied and unoccupied beds and maintain clean resident rooms.
Observe residents and promptly report changes in physical, mental, or emotional condition to the licensed nurse.
Measure and record intake and output as assigned.
Obtain and document vital signs if trained and delegated by the licensed nurse in accordance with Connecticut regulations and facility policy.
Assist with restorative care and range-of-motion exercises as directed.
Respond promptly to resident call lights and requests.
Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.
Escort residents to activities, appointments, and dining areas.
Promote resident dignity, privacy, and independence.
Follow infection prevention and control procedures, including proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.
Participate in emergency procedures, fire drills, and disaster preparedness activities.
Attend mandatory in-service education and staff meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the PCA role.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Current Connecticut PCA/Home Health Aide training or equivalent experience preferred.
Current CPR certification preferred.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Ability to work collaboratively with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff.
Compassionate, dependable, and resident-centered approach to care.
Physical Requirements
Ability to frequently lift, move, and transfer residents with or without mechanical lifting devices.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, and stoop for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with heavier transfers using proper equipment.
Visual and hearing ability sufficient to safely perform assigned duties.