Patient Care Assistant – Surgery Unit

About the role

The Patient Care Assistant works on the Surgery Unit providing direct hands‑on care to patients under the supervision of a Team Leader and registered nurses. This full‑time, day‑shift position supports patients with daily activities, vital‑sign monitoring, and technical tasks to promote recovery.

Key responsibilities

• Measure and record temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, height, and intake‑output.
• Encourage patients to turn, cough, use incentive spirometry, and perform deep‑breathing exercises.
• Assist patients with ambulation, transfers, and wheelchair use.
• Provide morning/evening care including bed baths, oral hygiene, dressing, linen changes, and room upkeep.
• Empty and document drains, canisters, urine bags, bedpans, and emesis basins.
• Maintain a safe environment by reporting equipment issues and handling linen and supplies appropriately.
• Perform specialized tasks such as applying/removing abdominal binders, anti‑embolism stockings, and sequential compression devices.
• Collect urine, stool, and sputum specimens as ordered.
• Conduct phlebotomy and EKG procedures after required training.
• Respond promptly to patient call lights and requests.

Required profile

• Direct patient caregiver able to assist registered nurses and work under a Team Leader.
• Willingness to function as a sitter for patients requiring continuous supervision.
• Ability to perform hands‑on care, technical tasks, and documentation accurately.

Required skills

• Phlebotomy (trained)
• EKG operation (trained)
• Vital‑sign measurement
• Incentive spirometry usage
• Sequential compression device application
• Range‑of‑motion (ROM) assistance
• Specimen collection (urine, stool, sputum)

What we offer

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Tuition reimbursement and student‑loan assistance
• Certification bonuses
• Leadership development programs