Þscription Patient Care Associate MSH 8W Stepdown FT Days As an integral part of the clinical care team, the Patient Care Associate is responsible for patient care and support activities promoting patient focused care within the Specialty Service. The Patient Care Associate supports the registered nurse in patient care activities, such as: assisting patient with activities of daily living, collecting specimens and performing procedures; maintaining a safe, clean environment; and other duties as needed. Responsibilities Principal Duties and Responsibilities Performs and records patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respirations. Documents intake and output and other data as assigned. Obtains patients rating on pain scales as a fifth vital sign in all areas except Pediatrics. Performs clinical procedures, such as specimen collection, venipuncture, EKG, application of compression devices, post-mortem care, and maintenance of skin integrity. Sets up for selected procedures and assists RN's accordingly. Assists patient with activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing and/or toileting. Orients patients to clinical environment. Assists patient with ambulation and all levels of mobilization. Assists with dietary functions, including delivering and collecting patient trays at bedside, passing menus to patients and assisting them with menu completion, mixing nutritional supplements, reporting variation in eating patterns to RN/Dietitian, and maintaining accurate and timely systems for transmission of patient dietary orders and changes. Maintains a safe, clean and functional environment, including ensuring for the comfortable movement of the patient. Assists the patient in room maintenance, such as bed-stripping and trash removed, when necessary. Performs one-to-one observation or close observation status of patients, e.g., safety, elopement risk, or suicide prevention. Maintains