Invested

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) assists nursing staff with delegated tasks of direct and indirect patient care which support and complement nursing practice under the supervision of a registered nurse. At a minimum, the PCA carries out designated skills that are within those functions of a certified nursing assistant, as defined by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development through the life span and appropriately interpret information relative to the patient's age-specific needs. The PCA communicates data reflective of the patient's status and delegated tasks and/or functions. The incumbent works flexible hours, which may include days, evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends.

The skills and responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) align closely with those of a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) and Patient Care Technician (PCT), making this a great opportunity for those with CNA experience.

During the selection process you may participate in a virtual (pre-recorded) interview that you can complete at your convenience. During the virtual interview, a question will appear on your screen, and you will have time to consider each question before responding. You will have the opportunity to re-record your answer to each question — Mayo Clinic will only see the final recording. The complete interview will be reviewed by a Mayo Clinic staff member and you will be notified of next steps as appropriate. 

General Duties and Expectations: The VMU PCA demonstrates excellence and compassion while caring for patients in a variety of care settings and prioritizes care during the shift to ensure the patient's needs are met. Generally, the VMU PCA will be expected to work in the VMU monitor room roughly 80% of scheduled shifts and work at the bedside as a PCA 20% of the time to maintain clinical proficiency. 

Additional general duties and expectations include, but are not limited to:
• Demonstrates understanding and proficiency in using video monitoring software
• Ability to clearly communicate with patient via 2-way audio 
• Must be able to work in close proximity with co-worker in VMU monitoring room
• Must be able to physically deliver/retrieve VMU camera with admissions/discharges
• Verbally redirects patients over 2-way audio device located in patient room
• Dedicated attention to observing patients with no outside distractions
• Stays connected with audio by not taking off audio headset
• Never leave monitor station unattended. If you need to step away, ask for backup first
• No personal cellphone use in patient care areas
• Effectively chart patient interactions (virtual hourly rounding, patient actions, etc.)
• Able to maintain visual observation of patients being monitored at all times
• Immediately summons nursing staff if patient requires assistance
• Effectively participates in hand-off with RN staff/PCA staff, and fellow VMU staff
• Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose threat to self or 
others
• Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues
• Ensures patient environment safety

Special Skills or Proficient in: The VMU PCA must be flexible, resilient, demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to work in a team. Generally, the VMU monitoring room will include two (2) VMU PCAs, so it is a must to be able to effectively work in proximity with your coworker in a small office. Proactivity and time management skills are highly valued on unit. 

Proficiency required in applications (after training and not limited to the below):
• AvaSure VMU software
• Electronic Medical Record charting
• Microsoft applications – Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel
• Vital sign and intake and output recording
• Glucose meter use
• Suicidal patient monitoring
• Delerium management
• Fall and infection prevention measures
• Safe patient handling
• NATUS (EMU monitoring) as appropriate

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Basic Life Support certification is required upon hire and must be valid for 90 days or greater from start date. Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) competency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (one of the following):  

• Completion of Block 1 in Nursing 
• Medical Assistant (MA)
• Nursing Assistant (CNA or LNA) 
• 6 months of experience in the healthcare setting within the last year.