Patient Care Assistant - Med/Surg
OakBend Medical Center
Summary
Under the general supervision of the Nursing Manager and the direct supervision of the Clinical Coordinator or designated Licensed/Registered Nurse, the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is responsible for assisting licensed nursing staff in providing care to patients in the Medical/Surgical Unit. The PCA supports the medical care of the patients pursuant to the objectives of the hospital and in accordance with hospital policy, the hospital mission statement, and the philosophy of the Department of Nursing. Provides the services of an observer/sitter for any patient who requires constant observation in order to maximize his/her safety. Provides clerical support for the functions of the clinical unit.
Job description
Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Nursing Manager and the direct supervision of the Clinical Coordinator or designated Licensed/Registered Nurse, the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is responsible for assisting licensed nursing staff in providing care to patients in the Medical/Surgical Unit. The PCA supports the medical care of the patients pursuant to the objectives of the hospital and in accordance with hospital policy, the hospital mission statement, and the philosophy of the Department of Nursing. Provides the services of an observer/sitter for any patient who requires constant observation in order to maximize his/her safety. Provides clerical support for the functions of the clinical unit.
Qualifications
High school graduate or equivalent; relevant experience in lieu of High School Diploma/GED education will be considered.
Experience in an accredited healthcare facility preferred.
Required licenses/certifications: any one of the following:
- Certified as a Nursing Assistant by the Texas Department of Health (CNA)
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT)
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Licensed Paramedic
- Completion of U.S. Military Hospital Corpsman training
- Nursing student having completed fundamentals of nursing (LVN or RN)
- Current enrollment in an accredited EMT program
- Completion of formal nursing assistance (certification or licensing) program
- Completion of Patient Care Technician program
- Graduate of a foreign nursing program with nursing credentials/licensure in country of origin
- One year of experience in direct patient care in an acute care setting
- Graduate of a healthcare related field (e.g. psychology, physical therapy, physiology, etc.)
Certification in BLS through the American Heart Association also required.
Knowledge of basic clinical skills to deliver direct patient care to an individual or group of patients including but not limited to vital signs and activities of daily living. Accepts assigned responsibilities as an accountable member of the health care team. Proficient with data entry/computer skills for care documentation.
Requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Certified Medical Assistant or Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Certified EMT or Licensed Paramedic or equivalent certification/education/experience
- BLS certification through the American Heart Association
- Knowledge of basic clinical skills including vital signs and activities of daily living
- Proficient with data entry/computer skills for care documentation
- Experience in an accredited healthcare facility preferred
Company overview
OakBend Medical Center is the last remaining independent nonprofit hospital in the Greater Houston area, founded in 1950 as Polly Ryon Memorial Hospital. Headquartered in Richmond, Texas, OakBend operates three full-service hospital campuses with a total of 275 beds, along with multiple surgery centers, physical therapy clinics, and physician offices across Fort Bend County. The organization employs over 1,200 staff members and contractors, making it the largest hospital-based healthcare provider in Fort Bend County. OakBend distinguishes itself through its innovative patient-centered care model, where patients are positioned as captains of their care teams rather than traditional hierarchical approaches. The medical center is renowned for its signature No Wait Emergency Rooms, advanced trauma center, Jack and Billie Wendt Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit, hospital-based skilled nursing facility, and neonatal ICU capable of handling premature babies as early as 28 weeks gestational age. As a nonprofit institution, OakBend is committed to providing exceptional, compassionate healthcare to the community regardless of patients' ability to pay, maintaining its independence to adapt quickly to local healthcare needs without corporate bureaucracy.