What Is a Patient Care Associate and How to Become One
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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.
How to Become 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.
Patient Care Associate Job Description Sample
With this Patient Care Associate job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Patient Care Associate role.
Job Summary
Our hospital is seeking a Patient Care Associate. In this position, you will work under the supervision of an RN, performing basic patient care and clinical support tasks. While applicants do not necessarily need to be certified, you should complete a nursing assistant program to prepare you for the clinical functions of this role. To fulfill these duties, you must be able to perform phlebotomies and electrocardiograms on patients. You must also have your basic life support and CPR certifications. Other aspects of this role involve observing the mental and emotional state of patients as you assist them with daily care tasks, such as bathing.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Monitor vital signs
- Perform EKG testing
- Assist with phlebotomy
- Assist patients with daily care tasks, such as bathing and eating
- Report any changes in the mental or emotional state of patients to staff
- Keep patient rooms stocked
- Complete other tasks assigned by your RN
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Completion of a nursing assistant program or at least 1 year of experience providing patient care in a clinical setting
- BLS certification
- CPR certification
- Phlebotomy and electrocardiogram competency
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
- Basic computer skills
