What does a Patient Care Assistant do?
Published 3 min read
A patient care assistant helps patients with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They also help patients move around and transport them to appointments.
Patient Care Assistant job duties include:
- Assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Transfer patients to and from beds, wheelchairs, examination tables, etc.
- Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
- Help patients exercise and provide physical therapy
- Give patients bedpans and urinals and help them to the bathroom
- Collect urine and stool samples
- Perform basic tests, such as checking blood sugar levels
- Serve meals and help patients eat
- Answer patients' call lights
Patient Care Assistant Job Requirements
Patient care assistants typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most states require certification. Some patient care assistant positions may also require previous experience in a healthcare setting.
Patient Care Assistant Skills
- Patient care
- Assisting patients
- Communicating with patients
- Observing patients
- Recording patient information
- Measuring patient vital signs
- Administering medication
- Performing basic medical procedures
- Providing emotional support
- Educating patients and families
- Coordinating with other members of the healthcare team
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How to become a Patient Care Assistant
A Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is a health care professional who provides basic patient care services. PCAs are also known as nurse aides, orderlies, and patient attendants. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
The duties of a PCA include taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. PCAs also perform basic nursing tasks such as changing dressings and giving bed baths.
To become a PCA, you will need to complete a training program that is approved by your state’s Board of Nursing. Most programs take between six and twelve weeks to complete. Upon completion of the program, you will be required to pass a competency exam before you can be certified to work as a PCA.
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