PCA (Healthcare)

Resident Identification & Safety

• Use resident photo card files to confirm identity before:
  
  • Administering care or treatments
  • Serving meals or assisting with nutrition
• Use only facility-approved abbreviations when documenting resident information

Observation & Documentation

• Document care activities accurately and descriptively in:
  
  • Flow sheets, progress notes, charts, and care logs
• Promptly report:
  
  • Changes in resident condition
  • Accidents, injuries, and unusual incidents occurring during the shift
  • Any suspected or known unauthorized access to the facility's information systems

Confidentiality & Compliance

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all resident care information, including Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Report any suspected or actual breaches of confidentiality, including unauthorized disclosures
• Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property
• Honor and document any resident refusals of care or treatment and notify your supervisor

Resident Personal Care

• Provide assistance with daily living activities, including:
  
  • Bathing, oral care, hair and nail care, shaving, and toileting
  • Dressing and undressing
  • Mobility and repositioning (turning, lifting, transferring)
• Keep residents clean, dry, and comfortable at all times
• Support residents with incontinence care and maintain hygiene
• Provide back rubs, grooming, and other comfort measures as needed

Nutrition & Hydration

• Assist with meal set-up and feeding support, including:
  
  • Describing food layout for visually impaired residents
  • Monitoring food temperatures and resident preferences
• Perform after-meal care (cleaning face, hands, and clothing; removing trays)
• Refill and sanitize water pitchers each shift, ensuring accessibility for residents

Health Monitoring

• Measure and document:
  
  • Vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration)
  • Intake and output (I&O)
  • Weight and height as instructed
• Observe and report:
  
  • Pressure ulcers, skin breakdowns, or other health concerns
  • Bowel movements, including unusual stool characteristics
• Assist with physical exams, lab work prep, and rehabilitative procedures

Mobility & Equipment Use

• Assist residents with safe transfers to and from:
  
  • Beds, wheelchairs, bathtubs, commodes, and lifts
• Use only approved equipment you've been trained on
• Report any malfunctioning or unsafe equipment immediately

Resident Interaction & Emotional Support

• Maintain a calm, respectful, and friendly demeanor throughout the shift
• Create an environment of warmth and reassurance
• Provide companionship and emotional support as appropriate
• Listen to and report resident concerns, complaints, or changes in mood

Teamwork & Communication

• Attend and participate in shift reports and SDMART meetings
• Follow daily care schedules, assignments, and facility policies
• Cooperate with other caregivers, departments, and nursing staff to ensure coordinated care
• Notify management of planned absences or lateness
• Follow exposure control policies for handling blood, body fluids, and infectious materials

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous experience in caregiving or CNA certification is a plus

Language & Communication Skills

• Ability to read and interpret care plans, instructions, policies, and reports
• Able to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and residents

Mathematical Skills

• Basic math skills, including ability to apply simple ratios and percentages in a care setting

Problem Solving & Reasoning

• Ability to assess resident needs and respond with sound judgment
• Comfortable with following written, verbal, diagram, or schedule-based instructions

Technology & Documentation

• Basic computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite preferred

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift residents as needed
• Frequent use of computer systems, phones, and standard care-related equipment
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities

Work Environment

• Moderate noise level in a healthcare setting
• Exposure to emotional situations, resident conditions, and bodily fluids
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered to support accessibility

Additional Information

• This job description is not all-inclusive and may be adjusted by management as needed
• Responsibilities may evolve based on resident needs and facility standards
• This role requires compassion, flexibility, and a commitment to quality care