"Patient Care Assistant - Surgery"

Note: This opportunity is expected to last for approximately 2 months. Occasional on-site presence at Saint Mary's Hospital may also be required.

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide direct patient care and support across multiple age groups, including infants, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. PCAs play a vital role in ensuring quality patient care, supporting comfort and safety, and fostering a positive, respectful, and culturally sensitive environment for patients and families.

Key Responsibilities:

General Patient Care

• Assist patients with personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility, and comfort needs.
• Respond promptly to patient call lights and ensure safety measures (ambulating, positioning, restraints, etc.).
• Support admissions, discharges, transfers, and patient orientation to the unit.
• Provide comfort and assist with post-mortem care when assigned.
• Serve as a sitter/close observer when required.

Technical Duties

• Collect and record vital signs, pain scores, oxygen saturation, intake/output, and other assigned patient data.
• Perform selected patient care procedures (e.g., skin care, hot/cold compresses, incentive spirometry).
• Carry out duties as a first responder in emergency situations.
• Perform and document EKGs; check and maintain related equipment.
• Label and deliver lab specimens accurately.
• Set up and maintain oxygen therapy equipment.
• Operate and maintain unit equipment (computers, fax, IV pumps, wheelchairs, etc.).

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality in all patient and staff matters.
• Follow infection control, safety, and hospital policies.
• Support the mission, goals, and quality improvement initiatives of UCSF Medical Center.
• Participate in unit meetings, staff education, and team development.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and functional work environment.
• Comply with attendance, dress code, and professionalism standards.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html