Patient Care Asst II (PCA II)- Medsurg /Tele-Oncology Part Time Nights

The Patient Care Assistant II (PCA II) at St. Joseph Hospital is responsible for providing direct patient care in the Medsurg/Tele-Oncology unit. This includes assisting patients with activities of daily living, offering basic nursing care, and maintaining a safe and clean environment under the supervision of an RN. PCA IIs play a vital role in ensuring patient comfort and safety, while also monitoring dysrhythmia as required.

To become a Patient Care Assistant II (PCA II) at St. Joseph Hospital, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a current certification in Patient Care, such as an M.A., CNA, or EMT. Experience in an acute care hospital or physician’s office is preferred, along with certifications in Dysrhythmia Interpretation, BLS, EKG, and Phlebotomy which are preferred upon hire.

The Patient Care Assistant II (PCA II) at St. Joseph Hospital works part-time night shifts, specifically 7 pm to 7 am, two nights a week. Additionally, the role requires working every other weekend and holiday, which helps ensure continuous patient care and support during crucial hours.

As a Patient Care Assistant II at St. Joseph Hospital, you can expect a competitive compensation package ranging from $18.90 to $28.01 per hour, depending on your skills, experience, and qualifications. Additionally, St. Joseph Hospital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement among other benefits.

While not strictly required, prior experience is preferred for the Patient Care Assistant II (PCA II) role at St. Joseph Hospital. Candidates with at least six months of experience as a Monitor Technician or in an acute care setting will have an advantage, showcasing their familiarity with patient care and medical environments.

When discussing your experience, focus on any relevant roles you've held, including specific duties that relate to patient care, such as assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, or collaborating with healthcare teams. Mention any certifications or special training you have that directly correlate with the PCA II position.

In response, you could share a specific example where you remained calm and compassionate in the face of a challenging situation, detailing how you assessed the issue and took appropriate actions while ensuring patient dignity and comfort were maintained. Highlight your communication skills and ability to collaborate with the healthcare team.

You might find it helpful to talk about the satisfaction you get from directly impacting patients' lives and the importance of compassion in healthcare. Mention experiences that specifically made you feel fulfilled in this role and how that drives your commitment to providing excellent care.

Explain your approach to prioritizing tasks based on patient needs and hospital protocols. Discuss time management strategies you've used or how you maintain effective communication with other team members to ensure all patients receive timely care.

Show your knowledge by discussing St. Joseph Hospital’s mission, values, and the specific departments where you would work. Emphasize your alignment with their commitment to compassionate and comprehensive care, wanting to be part of a team that prioritizes patient health and wellbeing.

Illustrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning workshops, certifications, or continuous education you actively pursue. Relate this to the PCA II role by explaining how staying informed helps you provide high-quality, evidence-based care.

Share a specific instance of how you collaborated with other healthcare professionals, your role in the team dynamic, and the outcome of that collaboration. Highlight how teamwork can lead to better patient care.

Discuss specific protocols you follow to maintain patient safety, such as proper lifting techniques, monitoring patient conditions for any changes, and ensuring that the environment is free of hazards. Emphasize the importance of following guidelines and reporting issues promptly.

Explain your strategies for communicating effectively with diverse patient populations, such as being patient, using clear language, and involving family members where applicable. Stress the importance of understanding each patient's unique requirements.

Reflect on what drives you in your healthcare career—whether it’s your passion for helping others, a dedication to improving healthcare outcomes, or the fulfillment you gain from forming connections with patients and their families. This insight shows your commitment to the PCA II role at St. Joseph Hospital.