Patient Care Assistant Jobs: Join the University of Kansas Hospital Team

Are you looking for a rewarding career in healthcare where you can make a real difference in patients’ lives? The University of Kansas Hospital is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Patient Care Assistants. We have full-time and part-time Patient Care Assistant Jobs available in our state-of-the-art Cambridge Tower, located in Kansas City, Kansas. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a leading academic medical center and contribute to exceptional patient care.

About University of Kansas Hospital – Cambridge Tower

The University of Kansas Hospital is a premier healthcare institution renowned for its commitment to patient-centered care, teaching, and cutting-edge medical advancements. The Cambridge Tower expansion, opened in 2017 and further expanded in 2021, provides a healing and welcoming environment for patients and their families. This 11-story tower houses 180 acute care inpatient beds and is home to specialized units, including:

  • Neurology/Epilepsy/ENT (CA6)
  • Neurology/Surgical Oncology (CA7)
  • Internal Medicine (CA8)
  • Hematology & Cellular Therapy (CA9)
  • Bone Marrow Transplant & Acute Leukemia (CA10)
  • Medical Oncology (CA11)

Working in Cambridge Tower means joining a team focused on innovation and excellence in Oncology, Neuroscience, and ENT care. Our facility fosters a supportive and collaborative atmosphere for both staff and patients, making it an ideal place to grow your healthcare career.

Role of a Patient Care Assistant

As a Patient Care Assistant (PCA), you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional patient care under the guidance of Registered Nurses (RNs). This position is perfect for individuals with a passion for helping others and who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Patient Care Assistant responsibilities include:

  • Providing Basic Nursing Care: This encompasses a range of essential tasks such as monitoring vital signs and pulse oximetry, performing finger stick blood glucose tests, assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and meticulously recording intake and output. You will also be responsible for collecting various specimens (urine, stool, sputum), applying and removing compression stockings and Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs), and managing drainage systems including urinary catheters, NG tubes, and ostomies. Additional skills may be required based on the specific unit needs.
  • Maintaining Patient Environment and Safety: Ensuring a clean, organized, and safe patient room and work environment is paramount. This includes implementing high fall risk interventions for vulnerable patients, conducting hourly rounds, promptly responding to call lights, and reinforcing patient and family education on safety precautions. Adherence to strict hand hygiene, standard precautions, and isolation protocols is mandatory.
  • Documentation and Communication: Accurate and timely documentation of all tasks, intake and output, and meal percentages in our O2 system is crucial. You will also be responsible for promptly notifying the RN of any changes in patient condition, including vital signs, mental status, skin integrity, pain reports, or any other concerns.
  • Patient Support and Comfort: Providing compassionate care to patients, including those in restraints (ensuring range of motion, hydration, and toileting), reorienting confused patients, and offering general support and comfort.

Patient Care Assistants at University of Kansas Hospital are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and technical proficiency in delegated tasks, all while maintaining excellent customer service and culturally sensitive care.

Qualifications and Requirements

To be considered for Patient Care Assistant jobs at the University of Kansas Hospital, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

  • Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent is required.
  • Certifications:
    • Basic Life Support Heartsaver (BLS HS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) within 14 days of hire (Non-Clinical).
    • One of the following:
      • Certified Nurse Aide / Assistant (CNA) certification from the State Department for Aging and Disability Services (Health Occupations Credentialing).
      • Medical Assistant Diploma.
      • Documentation of Fundamentals of Nursing Course verifying required basic skills (required at time of hire).
      • Minimum of 18 months of experience in a specialty tech position.
      • Completion of the Gold Standard Intern Program/Acute Care School with University of Kansas Health System.
  • Knowledge and Skills: Must be able to perform the professional, clinical, and technical competencies specific to the assigned unit or department. Sixteen and 17-year-olds are eligible for PRN positions.

The University of Kansas Hospital is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for our Patient Care Assistant positions and join our dedicated team in providing exceptional care to our patients.

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