Patient Care Aide

Overview

Job Summary:

Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital’s mission, vision and values.

Additionally, under the direct supervision of licensed nurses, the nursing assistant performs various duties to assist in the care of patients in accordance with established policies and procedures.

These duties include, but are not limited to, bathing, mouth care, ambulation assistance, toilet assistance, feeding, measuring vital signs and blood glucose, and transporting.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions

Patient Care and Safety

• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, toileting, and mobility.
• Measures and records vital signs, weight, intake, and output accurately and promptly.
• Observes and reports changes in patient condition, behavior, or needs to the RN or charge nurse.
• Assists patients with ambulation, repositioning, and transfers using safe lifting techniques and mobility aids.
• Ensures patient safety through hourly rounding, fall prevention, and monitoring of equipment such as bed alarms.
• Responds promptly to call lights and patient requests.

Clinical and Technical Support

• Performs blood glucose monitoring, specimen collection, and other technical procedures as trained and delegated.
• Maintains clean and organized patient care areas, ensuring equipment is sanitized and ready for use.
• Assists with admissions, transfers, and discharges, including patient transport and personal item inventory.
• Collects and labels laboratory specimens according to hospital policy.
• Assists nurses during procedures as needed.

Communication and Teamwork

• Communicates effectively with nurses, physicians, and other team members regarding patient care and safety concerns.
• Documents patient activities and observations accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Supports a positive, collaborative team environment focused on excellent patient care and service.
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA regulations.

Unit and Environmental Support

• Restocks supplies and maintains par levels in assigned patient areas.
• Ensures patient rooms are clean, comfortable, and orderly.
• Participates in unit-based safety and quality initiatives.

Demonstrates flexibility by assisting on other units as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

• Uses common sense and special medical skills to care for the sick
• Understands technical information from supervisors, charts, reference books, manuals and labels
• Uses eyes, ears, hands and fingers with skill
• Acts quickly in an emergency, rendering appropriate life-saving measures
• Communicates with people
• Change from one duty to another frequently
• Follow and/or give precise instructions
• Records and interprets information accurately
• Able to care for patients of all ages
• Current in BLS

Education:  High school graduate or GED.

Experience: No previous experience required