Harlem Hospital Center has been a bedrock of the Harlem community since 1887. The hospital provides a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic and family support services to the residents of Central Harlem, West Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. Harlem is the largest hospital in the area, capable of treating the most seriously ill. Harlem provides over 90 specialized ambulatory care services, dentistry and oral surgery, behavioral health services, and community substance abuse treatment.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) in Behavioral Health Services, under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, works within the scope of regulatory agency standards and policies and procedures as set forward by HHC and Harlem Hospital

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes a positive and pleasant attitude conducive to the workplace which enhances the Mission, Vision and Value Statement of NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Hospital.
• Under the supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse performs technical and para-professional nursing duties in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the institution.
• Takes patient's pulse, temperature, blood pressure, respiration, blood glucose, phlebotomy, EKG, height and weight, Records these measures accurately in the patient's medical record.
• Assist in patient admission process by recording/reporting observed behavior, verbal responses and any interventions initiated such as, conversation, food and fluids.
• Adheres to appropriate infection control procedures.
• Monitors patients assigned on Close and Special Observation, e.g. S.O., 1:1, elopement, suicidal and homicidal observation.
• Assists patients with grooming activities.
• Assists with transfer/transport of patient to units, procedures, etc.
• Attends Peer Group meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Demonstrates knowledge of restraint standards/policy and procedures.
• Assists with the application of behavioral restraints and monitors patients as per policy/procedure.
• Performs technical aspects of patient care according to established policies and procedures. Utilizing proper techniques. Adapts these techniques to the unique needs of individual patients.
• Responds appropriately to patient emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
• Observes and monitors patient's mental and physical status during activities and other direct/indirect patient contact; reports any unusual findings to the nurse.
• Reinforces patient education and reports patient concerns to Head Nurse/Charge Nurse taking cultural and religious preferences into consideration.
• Demonstrate a sensitive and supportive attitude toward patients, families and/or significant other.
• Ensures a safe and secure environment free of hazards to reduce the risk of injury to all customers. (Patients, visitors and staff.)
• Explains, involves and instructs patients/families concerning the therapeutic regimen and environment of care.
• Effectively utilizes the electronic as well as the paper medical record.
• Maintains timely and accurate departmental records as outlined in the departmental policy and procedure manual.
• Assists as requested and performs tasks in a timely manner while maintaining performance improvement standards.
• Demonstrates flexibility according to workload, unit activity, crisis and/or emergency situation.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization; and
2. Successful completion of a NYS Department of Health prescribed training program for Phlebotomy, satisfactory to the Laboratory Director; and
3. Completion of a health care setting-based training program in the performance of electrocardiographs and basic life support procedures including certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation.

Special Note:

In addition to meeting the qualifications above, assignment to a long-term care facility requires a New York State Nurse's Aide Certificate.

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs