Personal Care Aide (PCA)

The Personal Care Aide (PCA) is a member of the health care team who will work directly under the supervision and direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) and provide various services for the client. Many of the duties will be assistance with personal care and activities of daily living which involves “Partial” hands on care and physical support with minimal guided maneuvering of limbs or weigh bearing assistance. 

Qualifications

•       Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have a minimum of a High School Diploma. LHC prefers applicant have at least one year of experience in the healthcare profession. 

•       Must be listed on the Nurse Aide 1 Registry. 

•       Applicant must have two (2) satisfactory references from previous employers.

•       Must display good emotional health and be able to physically tolerate much standing, bending, stooping, and heavy lifting with guidelines and teaching provided by the state of North Carolina. 

•       Must be able to read and follow written instruction and Document the Care that is given.

•       The applicant should demonstrate flexibility in acceptance of assignments and cooperative attitude toward providing services; and must meet all agency requirements. 

General Responsibilities 

In-home care agency performs only under supervision of a Registered Nurse, who has provided written instructions for client care (Home Care Plan).

•       Assists client in all activities of daily living/hygiene assistance, bathing, grooming, linen changes, and so forth as documented in the Plan of Care. 

•       Prepares nutritious meals within the client’s diet and assists client with eating when necessary.

•       Assists client with transfers, ambulation, and exercises under guidelines of the RN or PT when warranted and documented in POC.

•       Performs light housekeeping chores, which facilitates client’s self-care in the home.

•       Assists client in bathroom, with the use of the bedpan and performs incontinence care.

•       Answers client’s calls and attends to their requests promptly.

•       Meets the safety needs of the client and uses equipment safely and properly.

•       Completes records and carries out all assignments as required. (Submitting correctly completed timesheets weekly) • Notifies Director of Client Care Services of any acute or pertinent changes in a client’s condition.

•       May not be assigned to receive or reduce to writing orders from a physician.

•       Communicates availability to work to the Scheduler and/or Director on a weekly basis or as requested.

•       Maintains confidentiality regarding the client’s condition and his/her family, apart from the Agency.

•       Performs all skills and procedures competently, and with the regulations and licensing laws of the state of North Carolina, other applicable federal and state laws, and agency policies.

This job description represents a list of the duties and responsibilities and gives examples of the variety and general nature of this position for the Home Care Aide. It is not intended that this description include all duties required to perform this position, nor is it intended that related duties may not be required. Further, the applicant may be assigned to a client who requires services which are at the level of companionship and housekeeping only. In that event, the duties below and including the non-personal care tasks listed above will apply: 

•       Provided only non-personal care to the client.

•       Provides continuous companionship for client while on duty.

•       Assists the client to live in a clean, healthy, and safe environment.

•       Observes the client for general physical, emotional, and mental conditions, and reports all changes in condition.

•       Keeps appropriate records of all activity while in the client’s home.

•       Provides a sense of security for the client and protects the client as much as possible from any harm resulting from the debilitating effects of his or her illness.

•       Assists client as needed, excluding medical care.