Patient Care Associate - Correctional Health Services *Full time, 8am-4pm*

Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (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.ResponsibilitiesAdministers total care (bed bath, partial or complete).Assists with patient’s personal hygiene – including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc. Transfers patients – in and out of bed, stretcher and wheelchair including physical and mechanical lifting.Positions patients and carries out range of motion exercises.Assists with ambulating and all ADL as directed.Prepares patients for meals and assists with feedings as needed.Assists with unit admissions and transfer of patient.Makes beds and tidies patient area for bed ridden patients.Takes and documents in the electronic medical records all patient’s vital signs – B/P, TPR, weights, intake and output and performs EKG’s as required and follows outlined procedures for faxing abnormal EKGs.Performs dry sterile dressing changes and assists with other patient treatments.Administers hot and cold applications to patients, under supervision.Maintains intake and output for oral and body excretions.Notifies MD/Nurse Staff of any changes in patient’s status.Performs urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization.Chaperons staff in all clinical areas when requested.Maintains competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical Performance checklist for Nursing Assistant.Assist with nursing follow-ups and transmits necessary information to laboratory electronically.Anticipates and acts to maintain a safe environment.Performs job functions in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources.Must wait for relief at change of tour by staff with same title (relieving PCA)Documents all encounters in Electronic Medical Records.Completes encounter forms every shift.ActivitiesPerform HIV Pre and Post test counselingPerform rapid HIV TestEnter data in the rapid HIV database and electronic medical recordFax rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office every tourPerform Quality controlsPerform EKGs and fax informationPerform Nursing Follow-up as assignedAssist with New Admission processingPerform Veni-puncturesMaintenance Of Unit Clean equipment, i.e. Thermometers, B/P machine, EKG machine, suction machine, refrigerators, and other treatment equipmentStock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery suppliesMaintain cleanliness of surface area of treatment and exam roomsMaintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipmentHuman Relations SkillsAssists other employees where needed.Is responsible and cooperative with supervisors, fellow associates, patients, visitors, and Department of Correction personnelMaintains friendly working atmosphereMaintains professional attitudeMaintains professional appearance and adheres to uniform policy of the Department of NursingAccepts constructive criticism as evidenced by appropriate changes in behaviorUtilizes established channels of communicationRecognizes, accepts, and respects people as individualsRecognizes limitations and seeks assistance appropriatelyAble to give and receive verbal and written informationWorking ConditionsBecause patients 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 patients 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 DemandsAbility to lift fifty (50) pounds. Moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to 100 pounds.Ability to stand for extended periodsFine motor skillsVisual acuityThe position will be on various locations on Rikers Island.Schedule: 5 days a week with alternating weekends, 8am-4pm