Patient Care Associate I in Dedham

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) protects, sustains, and nurtures patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, care of the patient’s environment, and meet other needs as required. The goal is to promote a high quality of life for patients while working as a member of a team that seeks to achieve a home‑like setting with excellence in all areas of care. The PCA demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and mission of Hebrew SeniorLife, recognises patients’ dignity and choice in all aspects of daily life, actively participates in activities, and strives to make every patient encounter a positive and meaningful experience.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates empathy and compassion with all interactions with patients and families
• Articulates importance of supporting independence and patient choice when caring for patients
• Demonstrates strong communication skills and ability to foster teamwork
• Articulates commitment to excellence and high quality care
• Articulates the importance of accountability and personal ownership related to teamwork and patient care

Position Responsibilities

• Recognise and respond to the needs of the patients and families; recognise and communicate changes in the patient’s condition to the appropriate nursing team member
• Adhere to Safe Patient Handling practices, i.e. maintain a no manual lift environment
• Participate in Quality Improvement programs
• Assist patients with all aspects of personal care as indicated in the care plans
• Document pertinent information regarding care delivered in the designated areas of the patient’s electronic medical record
• Report accidents and incidents as they occur
• Report any observed or suspected patient abuse immediately
• Observe and report skin integrity
• Participate in daily report team and care planning meetings as needed
• Be proficient in obtaining vital signs and other procedures such as temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, weight, pulse oximetry and urine and stool specimens as directed
• Follow infection control practices
• Attend and participate in ongoing training and educational classes
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of the patient according to HIPAA regulations
• Communicate effectively with peers, other team members, patients and families
• Facilitate life enrichment activities that encourage patient engagement
• Maintain cleanliness of the patient’s room and common program areas
• Prepare, serve, and clean up after meals and snacks
• Participate in committee meetings
• Other duties as assigned and trained to perform

Qualifications

• Long‑term chronic care PCA and MCU PCA: Certified Nursing Assistant certification preferred in good standing upon hire or current enrollment in a nursing school, having completed first clinical experience
• RSU PCA: Certified Nursing Assistant certification required in good standing upon hire and ongoing
• Fluent English skills required – verbal and written
• Computer literacy required
• Flexibility and ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Must complete mandatory HSL/HRC educational requirements and programs
• Pass PCA skills test with 70% or greater

Physical Requirements

Please refer to the Physical Requirements sheets in Occupational Health.

Salary Range

$15.00 - $28.00