OverviewA Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is a valued member of the clinic team working under the direction of a nurse leader to support nursing staff and Medical Assistants with non-clinical tasks. Although a PCA does not provide direct patient care, they are instrumental in helping the clinic run efficiently and effectively.Becoming a PCA offers an ideal opportunity for those new to the healthcare field to gain hands-on experience in a clinic to support clinical staff with administrative and logistic duties. It is anticipated that PCAs will continue to advance their skills and work towards becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (MA) through the completion of theDartmouth Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program.Responsibilities
Acts as frontline representative of the patient care area.
Performs various tasks to ensure the patient care area is well supplied including ordering and obtaining supplies, re-stocking supplies and monitoring for outdates
Maintains a clean and safe environment by caring for, and cleaning equipment, maintaining cleanliness of patient/clinic rooms, work areas, and keeping hallways clear of clutter
Performs low-level disinfection, and is aware of infection prevention principles
Perform quality checks of point of care testing machines
Checks emergency stations daily and if appropriate, checks and records medication refrigerator temperatures
Escorts patient throughout building as needed; assisting with wheelchairs as needed
Answers telephone calls and assists in the overall functioning of the department
Prepare patient forms with demographic information
Delivers specimens to the laboratory and runs errands to other departments
Participates in continuous regulatory readiness activities and employs safety standards such as repeat back, SBAR, and huddle attendance
Participates in medication conveyance per Medication Storage and handling policy
Performs other duties as required or assigned
Additional key responsibilities for clinic/outpatient settings:
Greets patients and assist with the rooming of patients
Prepares patient, room and equipment for procedures and exams
Assists patients in completing questionnaires
Maintains chart information that is up to date, organized, and in compliance with Health Information Services (HIS)requirements
A PCA may have direct access to drug products and secure medication areas (not to include controlled substance locations) in order to manage the storage, handling, and disposal of medications consistent with the Medication Storage and Handling Policy.
Qualifications
High school graduate or equivalent required
Customer service experience preferred
The ability to function in a fast-paced work environment with excellent organizational and prioritization skills
Dependable and reliable
Required Licensure/Certifications
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 30 days of employment
Completion of the Dartmouth Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program within 1 year of employment
FTE/Hours per pay period:1.00 - 1.00 - 40 hrs/week;
Shift:Day;
Job ID:27820;
Dartmouth Health is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. We do not exclude or treat people differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
