Employed by PAGNY for The Division of Correctional Health Services (CHS) of New York City Health + Hospitals (H+H) is responsible for the delivery of medical care, mental health care, and discharge planning in the jail system. Approximately 25% of new admissions per year to the NYC jail system will receive care on the mental health service. This service strives to provide safe, holistic and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for the diverse range of mental health issues that face the population, from serious mental illness to the natural struggles that accompany incarceration. The service provides some of the most comprehensive and unique treatment modalities in the country, including specialty housing units for individuals with serious mental illness, a 24-hour on-call psychiatric service, robust creative arts programming, a strong DBT training program, clinics in each of the facilities, substance use treatment, integrated re- entry services, and relationships with multiple training institutions throughout the city.

The Patient Care Associate, under the direction of a licensed nurse or other medical staff, in the health care setting assists the professional staff by performing, veni-puncture, finger-sticks, HIV Pre and Post Test Counseling, Rapid HIV Testing, responding and assisting with emergencies, facilitating telehealth encounters, various clerical and health-related duties associated with patient care (ADLs as indicated) and contributing to the safety, care and comfort of patients. The duties are assigned by and are performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The Patient Care Associate may be required to perform the duties listed below and other duties involving same type, area of responsibility. Patient care associates also observe their patient's mental, emotional and physical conditions and report any changes to the nursing staff.

Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate Telehealth encounters as needed

2. Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete)

3. Assist with patient's personal hygiene - including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc.

4. Transfers patients - in and out of bed, stretcher and wheel chair. Including physical and mechanical lifting

5. Positions patients and carry out range of motion exercise

6. Assists with ambulating and all ADL as directed

7. Prepares patients for meals and assist with feeding as needed

8. Assists with unit admission and transfer of patient

9. Makes beds and tidies patient area for bed ridden patients

10. Takes and document in the electronic medical records all patient's vital signs - B/P, TPR, weights, intake and output and performs EKGs as required and follow outlined procedures for submitting abnormal EKGs

12. Administers hot and cold applications to patients, under supervision

13. Maintains intake and output for oral and body excretions

14. Notify MD/Nurse Staff of any changes in patient's status

15. Performs urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization

16. Chaperon staff in all clinical areas when requested

17. Maintains competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical Performance checklist for Nursing Assistant

18. Assist with Nursing Follow-ups and transmit necessary information to laboratory electronically.

19. Anticipates and acts to maintain a safe environment

20. Performs job functions in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources

21. Must wait for relief at change of tour by staff with same title (relieving PCA) 22. Document all encounters in Electronic Medical Records

23. Complete Encounter forms every shift

Activities

1. Perform HIV Pre and Post test counseling

2. Perform rapid HIV Test

3. Enter data in the rapid HIV database and electronic medical record.

4. Fax rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office every tour.

5. Perform Quality controls

6. Perform EKGs and fax information

7. Perform Nursing Follow-up as assigned

8. Assist with New Admission processing

9. Perform Veni-puncture

Maintenance of Unit:

1. Clean equipment, e.g., thermometers, B/P machine, EKG machine, suction machine, refrigerators, and other treatment equipment

2. Stock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery supplies

3. Maintain cleanliness of surface area of treatment and exam rooms

4. Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment

Human Relations Skills:

1. Assists other employees where needed.

2. Is responsible and cooperative with supervisors, fellow associates, patients, visitors, and Department of Correction personnel.

3. Maintains friendly working atmosphere.

4. Maintains professional attitude.

5. Maintains professional appearance and adheres to uniform policy of the Department of Nursing.

6. Accepts constructive criticism as evidenced by appropriate changes in behavior.

7. Utilizes established channels of communication.

8. Recognizes, accepts, and respects people as individuals.

9. Recognizes limitations and seeks assistance appropriately.

10. Able to give and receive verbal and written information.

Working Conditions:

Because patents require round the clock care, working hours include days, nights weekends and holidays. PCAS are required to stand for long periods of time. Employees are encouraged to safely move patents and use alternative methods whenever possible; alternative methods include requesting assistance to roll/lift/ transfer patients. PCAs may face hazards from exposure to chemical and infectious diseases. In addition, they have to treat patients that are confused, irrational, agitated and/or uncooperative

Physical Demands

1. Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds. Moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to 100 pounds

2. Ability to stand for extended periods

3. Fine motor skills

4. Visual acuity