A Patient Care Associate (PCA) performs specific patient tasks assigned by a Registered Nurse (RN). Supportive services of the PCA assist in meeting the personal and palliative care needs of the patient and provide emotional comfort to the patient and their family members.  Specifically for the Home Health patients, the PCA shall assist the patient toward safe independent living.  The PCA works under the direction of an RN. The PCA is a member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT).

1. Understands and accepts responsibility for all care duties performed. Follows accepted standards of practice. Provides care for hospice, palliative care and home health patients as assigned.        

2.  Performs basic procedures as an extension of the therapeutic services. These services may include:

1. Personal care: bathing, skin care, oral hygiene, feeding, shaving, incontinence care and comfort measures.
2. Mobility related tasks: turning, repositioning, lifting, patient transfers, assistance with ambulation and range of motion exercises
3. Measurement of vital signs
4. Collection of laboratory specimens for blood, urine and stool tests
5. Catheter care including emptying, cleaning and change of Foley catheter drainage bag.
6. Assists patient/family with ostomy care
7. Routine household tasks such as bed linen change, cleaning patient care area and emptying trash.
8. Other procedures as assigned by an RN

3.  Possesses effective communication skills.

9. Communicates effectively with patients, family members and other individuals involved in patient care.
10. Demonstrates appropriate listening skills with patients and family members.
11. Communicates effectively with IDT Team members.

4.  Accurately observes, reports and documents client condition. Reports changes in client's condition to the Director of Home Health/Hospice or RN case manager as warranted.

5.  Completes accurate and timely documentation for all patient care activities. Follows organization documentation guidelines including electronic and paper processes.

6.  Follows infection control techniques.

a. Washes hands prior to and at the end of visits

b. Keeps equipment and supply bag clean

c. Utilizes personal protective equipment. Follows standard precautions at all times. Follows transmission-based precautions as indicated.

d. Demonstrates proper technique working from clean to dirty in performing procedures.

e. Uses aseptic technique when appropriate including during simple dressing changes, catheter care and when performing venipunctures.

f. Disposes of sharps in a biohazard container after venipunctures.

g. Transports all lab specimens to the lab in a double biohazard container system.

7.  Assists with medications that are patient or family administered.

8.  Assesses and promotes patient safety. Positions patient properly during and at the completion of care. Makes recommendations to the patient/family promoting safety such as removal of scatter rugs.  Reinforces simple client teaching to promote health maintenance and comfort.

9.  Reinforces simple teaching with patient /family to promote safety and health maintenance.

10.   Recognizes attitudes, religious/spiritual beliefs, cultural patterns and physical factors in the environment that are significant to the patient’s care and modifies care accordingly.

11.  Participates in patient care conferences.

12.  Participates in Interdisciplinary Team Meetings.

13.  Demonstrates ability to work closely and effectively with hospice nursing staff and skilled nursing facility staff to meet patient needs.

14.  Recognizes own behavior patterns, stresses and attitudes that impact client care. Explores methods of dealing appropriately with emotional strain.

15.  Assumes responsibility for own professional growth participates in continuing education, in-services, and team meetings. Completes 12 hours of continuing education annually.

16. Familiarizes and complies with all VNA policies and procedures.
17. Meets standards of behavior expectations.
18. Follows established guidelines for use and/or disclosure of protected health information. Employees should report any breaches of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules to the Privacy Officer (Director of Quality, Education & Risk Management) immediately. Failure to comply with HIPAA policies and procedures will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
19. Other duties as assigned.

Compensation: Hourly Range: $20.00 - $21.00 Depending on education.

Shift Differential: $3.00 for hours worked after 5:00 pm and any hours on a Saturday or Sunday. 

Incentives: Earn up to $500.00 quarterly based upon meeting productivity goals.

Available Employee Benefits: 403b, PTO, Tuition Reimbursement.

1. HS Diploma or equivalent required.
2. Certificate of completion from accepted CNA training program required.
3. Registration on the Dept. Nurse Aide Registry as of July 1, 1990 or later. (See: Section 245.70 of Department of Public Health, Illinois Register for more information.)  
4. Maintains current CPR certification                                                                                                                              
5. Completion of formal phlebotomy program preferred.
6. Hospice certification preferred.
7. Computer Skills required.
8. Successful completion of an orientation and instruction course for Nurse's Aide with a passing score on the CNA Skills Assessment Test. Successfully completes Skills Competency Test during orientation and annually.
9. Health policies and requirements met (See Personnel Policies).
10. Maintains current driver’s license and auto insurance.