Full-Time
Patient Care Assistant
Medical-Surgical Stepdown
Updated on 8/1/2026
University of Southern California
Compensation Overview
$22 - $37.40/hr
Los Angeles, CA, USA
In Person
Category
 Medical, Clinical & Veterinary (1) |
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Required Skills
Patient Care
Vital Signs
Basic Life Support (BLS)
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Requirements
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Completion of specialized technical training through an accredited Certified Nursing Assistant program is required.
- The ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, is required.
- A Certified Nursing Assistant certification from the California Department of Public Health is required, subject to the stated grandfathering exception.
- Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association is required.
- Los Angeles City Fire Life Safety Training is required; if not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days and renewed before expiration.
- The ability to perform patient-care skills including vital signs, daily weights, intake and output, hygiene care, meal assistance, ambulation, mobility, and patient transfers is required.
- The ability to use computerized systems to send messages, document care, and communicate patient or unit needs is required.
- Patient confidentiality and confidentiality of patient records must be maintained.
Responsibilities
- Provide nursing staff support in patient-care delivery, clerical functions, organization of the unit environment, and equipment setup and maintenance.
- Respond to patient calls within 10 minutes, anticipate patient needs, make proactive rounds, and provide necessary patient-assessment data to the registered nurse.
- Contribute input to the patient’s plan of care and accurately implement interventions in collaboration with the registered nurse.
- Perform patient-care skills according to routine procedures, physician orders, and registered nurse direction, including vital signs, daily weights, intake and output, hygiene care, meal assistance, ambulation, mobility, turning bed patients every two hours, and transfers.
- Maintain clear and organized patient rooms and provide fresh water at the beginning and end of the shift and as needed.
- Ensure a safe physical environment and safe operation of patient-care equipment, including call lights, telephones, commodes, walkers, shower chairs, intravenous poles, beds, tables, and chairs.
- Document all care provided, including vital signs, intake and output, meal percentages, equipment used, and patient care.
- Introduce oneself before entering rooms, identify oneself to patients and visitors, explain the plan of care, and use the department’s communication procedures.
- Report pertinent information, significant changes in patient condition, patient and family concerns, refusal of care, and inability to perform self-care to the registered nurse or charge nurse in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with the registered nurse throughout the shift regarding patient care and data collection.
- Maintain continuous survey readiness, including clean and orderly nurses’ stations, locker rooms, pantries, refrigerators, patient areas, and unobstructed access to safety equipment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
- One year of experience in a health care setting is preferred.