Patient Care Assistant Novice

About the Role

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Novice position at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is an entry-level role for individuals who are Patient Care Technician (PCT) graduates, have completed an internal internship, or are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs). This role involves providing basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), documenting care administered, and responding to patient needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Document, where applicable, care administered, diagnostic measurements, treatments, and procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to continuously progress in basic knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated tasks for age-specific, diverse patient populations.
• Receive coaching from preceptors, Registered Nurses (RNs), and management.
• Perform delegated patient care tasks under the supervision of the RN.
• Respond to the call light system.
• Record data established by policy and procedure.
• Report observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse.
• Perform assigned non-nursing functions.
• Practice Patient and Family Centered Care in concert with Houston Methodist ICARE values.
• Promote a positive work environment and participate in teamwork.
• Seek guidance from the interprofessional health care team and apply feedback.
• Follow channels of communication for effective problem-solving.
• Apply expected behaviors and actions with team members.
• Follow patient and family-centered care standards and provide direct patient care under the direction of a registered nurse.
• Assist with maintaining, cleaning, and stocking of equipment and supplies.
• May serve as an in-house courier.
• Report observations, conditions, and problems of patients to licensed personnel.
• Provide for the privacy of patients and families.
• Provide care to patients assigned within unit-specific, defined limits.
• Document care administered, diagnostic measurements, treatments, and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Utilize resources with cost-effectiveness and value creation in mind.
• Manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
• Assist coworkers as needed.
• Seek opportunities to identify self-development needs.
• Complete and update the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PCT graduate OR
• Internal employee participating in the Houston Methodist PCA immersion program/internship OR
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) OR
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through an approved credentialing certification agency

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent education (e.g., GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education).
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a customer service-focused manner.
• Performs basic patient care activities of daily living (ADLs) within unit-specific defined limits and job scope, such as assistance with patient elimination, hygiene, comfort, safety, nutrition, and progress activity.

Licenses and Certifications

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association within 1 month.

Work Attire

• Scrubs
• Other (department approved)