NURSING ASSISTANT (PARTICIPANT CARE ASSOCIATE/PCA)
Under the direction of the Center Manager and/or Team Lead/Home Care Coordinator the Participant Care Associate (PCA), provides supportive services to the participant; including but not limited to in the home or community setting, during transport and on appointments, or and in the day health center, under the supervision of the registered nurse. The PCA’s responsibilities for each participant are specified in the PCA/CNA Care Plan. The following statements are intended to describe the essential elements, functions, and requirements of the position. The list should not be taken as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of an individual assigned to this job.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:
- The PCA plan of care is based on the initial and on-going assessments that are performed by a home care RNCM
- The PCA assists in providing and/or maintaining optimal physical and emotional comforts to frail elders, in the participant’s home, community setting, day health center, and dementia unit, and during transport and on appointments.
- The PCA assists participants and their families toward achieving maximum self-reliance and independence within their environment, day health center, and dementia unit.
- The PCA performs the care or services that are outlined in the individual participant’s Care Plan; any Care Guidelines that are pertinent to the participant’s diagnosis are specified in the Care Plan.
- The PCA performs a variety of tasks and services for the participant, including:
- Personal care
- Assistance with activities
- Assistance with meal preparation / feeding
- Assistance with toileting / managing incontinence
- Simple treatments
- Shopping
- Medication reminders
- Laundry services
- Extended hours care
- Homemaking services / chores
- Transportation and off site appointment support
- The PCA is responsible for accurate timely documentation as required by the service area they are supporting; including but not limited to the care and/or services provided on every visit and or encounter, transport and appointment, on the PCA/CNA progress note; the PCA keeps the RNCM and or clinic nurse informed of the participant’s progress.
- Immediately reports all customer service complaints, all deviations from set schedule and appointments to supervisor / manager.
- The PCA responds to emergency situations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Works only within established scope of practice.
SUMMARY OF WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Working conditions are variable. With exposure to communicable diseases, due to participant environment. There is also potential for exposure to chemicals such as cleaning solutions and medications
- The PCA is supervised monthly in the participant’s home, by the RNCM by direct or indirect supervision. At this time the participant’s satisfaction with the Care Plan and PCA is evaluated
- A joint visit is performed at least annually with the RNCM and the PCA, to observe and evaluate the PCA’s performance in the home
- Driving is required within PACE SEMI catchment area
- The PCA must have reliable transportation available on a daily basis, a current valid driver’s license, must maintain an acceptable driving record, and provide proof of current automobile insurance
- The PCA must have the ability to transfer and assist with moving patients; frequent walking, bending, and lifting of forty (40) pounds or more may be needed in the performance of duties
- The PCA may be required to change participant assignments based on changing participant acuity, participant needs, and participant census.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- H.S. diploma or GED required
- Valid Michigan Driver's license
- Current CPR card required
- Certification is optional though preferred, but must have one (1) year experience with a frail or elderly population
- Experience must be in a long-term care, hospital, or home care setting
- Must have received certificate of completion from a formal training program (Direct Care, Nurse Assistant, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, etc.) outside of PACE SEMI
- The PCA participates in annual, mandatory in-service training and screening, including but not limited to: infection control, TB testing, safety training, and BLS training
- The PCA must possess the ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships
- The PCA shows respect for the physical, spiritual, and well-being of participants and co-workers
- The PCA must have the ability to problem solve and interpret instructions
- The PCA must be able to organize and maintain flexible scheduling to coordinate job responsibilities
- Ability to work sensitively with individuals of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
- Ability to relate to those participants with dementia and/or developmental disabilities
- The PCA must be able to perform duties in an atmosphere of frequent interruption
- Must meet a standardized set of competencies (approval by CMS) before working independently
- PCA competency is monitored and maintained in a variety of ways:
- Initially, through a skills check-off performance evaluation of specific tasks upon hire and orientation to the program, and annually thereafter
- Job related competency in-services including a practicum demonstration and written assessment
- Mandatory in-service training
- Department staff meetings
- Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant contact.
