Patient care Aide

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Care Aide works under the functional direction of a Registered Nurse/Clinical Nurse Coordinator or other designate and in cooperation with interdisciplinary team members to assist in the delivery of client care in accordance with established policies, standards and procedures.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients/clients/families and provides support following established care plans; greets patients/clients/families, assists with storage of personal belongings and creation of a safe/comfortable environment, provides orientation of room and unit, and maintains confidentiality and respect for the patient’s rights and privacy.
2. Assists in the delivery of nursing care under the functional direction of a Registered Nurse and performs duties such as recording of blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, height and weight; administering sterile and/or non-sterile dressings; personal hygiene such as bathing, grooming, oral care and feeding as required; assisting clinicians in positioning and holding children during procedures; obtaining specimens such as urine.
3. Responds to call bells/alarms by alerting the appropriate health care team member and/or assisting as necessary. Responds to emergent situations by calling appropriate code and assisting care team in accordance with unit/program guidelines.
4. Observes and monitors patient/client progress, symptoms and behavioural changes and reports significant observations such as discomfort and/or pain, changes in vital signs, weight, body measurements, skin breakdowns, unusual incidents and/or accidents, and feedback from the client into the care planning progress to the Registered Nurse or designate.
5. Utilizes mechanical aides such as specialty beds, lifts, slide boards, mobilizers, wheelchairs and stretchers to transport clients; provides assistance with positioning, lifting and/or transferring clients utilizing established lifting/safety techniques, and accompanies patient/clients to provide assistance as required.
6. Maintains a clean and safe environment; ensures call light/bell is within reach, makes beds, applies side-rail requirements, empties urine bags, handles workplace hazardous materials according to procedures, reports all incidents, equipment problems and potential safety issues.
7. Maintains supplies in utility areas, supply cupboards, resident washrooms, bedside tables and storage areas; checks supply sheets to identify items and quantities required; notifies others of depleting stock and replenishes accordingly; tidies supply cupboards, shelves and other areas as required.
8. Prepares room for discharge cleaning and/or assists in room setup; removes bed linen and forwards to laundry, makes beds, empties/cleans fridge/s and removes extra supplies in accordance with established procedures. Cleans equipment and toys in the shared space such as wipe washing exam tables, wall mounted exam equipment, blood pressure units, overhead lamps, measurement scales prior to the next patient.
9. Participates in team discussions and/or related training sessions; attends meetings to provide/receive information, provides input regarding improvements to client care and the efficient and safe operation of the area.
10. Retrieves lab results and patient information from Hospital systems as required.
11. Performs related clerical duties such as answering telephones, providing general information, ensuring requisitions are labelled with patient demographics, maintaining patient flow; requests/collects and/or returns charts to the Health Records Department as required and filing material as required.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Grade 10 plus graduation from a recognized Nursing Assistant Program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Registration with the BC Care Aide Registry
Skills and Abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize work an prioritize workload.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.