Department/Unit:

Float Pool

Work Shift:

Staffing Options Program (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$37,440.00 - $48,672.00

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) will work under the direction of the Registered Nurse. During the assigned work period, PCAs will collect patient data, complete personal care of the patient, perform point of care testing such as whole blood glucose, turn & position and/or mobilize patients, and assist with caring for the needs of assigned patients with a focus on progress toward discharge, including during transitions within the acute care stay.
The PCA is trained to perform technical procedures such as vital sign collection and lab collection. The Patient Care Assistant promotes the availability of resources for patient care through collaboration with Materials Coordinators for use, stocking, and storage of supplies.
The Patient Care Assistant participates in the creation and maintenance of a clean, orderly, and safe environment of care. PCAs may also be asked to provide the service of activity companion for patients requiring 1:1 observation. The Patient Care Assistant is responsible for assisting in the delivery of patient care provided by the caregiving team. S/he assures that competent, compassionate patient care is uniformly provided to customers.

TIME COMMITMENT

This program is designed for students in the EAPP. This position allows students to gain patient care experience in the hospital. The candidate will be available to work from May 18, 2026 through August 14, 2026.

During the 4 week orientation phase (Monday, May 18th through Saturday, June 13th), the student should expect to work full time 36-40 hours.

After the orientation phase, the student will be required to work a minimum of 24 hours per week (either two 12 hour shifts or three 8 hour shifts) through the remainder of the program including every other weekend and holiday rotation.

The student may take up to two weeks of unpaid vacation time. Once the program has concluded, the student may remain with the department on a per diem status (minimum of 16 hours per month).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collects pertinent data and information relative to the patient’s health or situation, including vital signs, height and weight, and food and fluid intake and output.
• Reports abnormal findings to the RN and patient care team.
• Participates in care planning and the nursing report process.
• Incorporates patient/family rights to participate in decision making about their care
• Utilizes standardized techniques for keeping patients and families informed.
• Provides personal care to patients including bathing, oral care, and skin care
• Assists the patient with eating and hydration, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
• Incorporates safe patient handling into basic restorative care such as ambulation, range of motion and use of assistive and prosthetic devices.
• Employs strategies to promote a clean, orderly, and safe environment.
• Demonstrates standard and transmission, based precautions and infection control techniques.
• Provides details related to patient progress toward the achievement of goals and outcomes to the RN.
• Documents all care in the patient record.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. or equivalent - required
• less than 1 year experience in a health care setting or completion of certified nurse assistant course - preferred
• experience as a paramedic, emergency technician - preferred
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology (Medium proficiency)
• Honest, punctual, and performs the job in adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct as defined by Albany Medical Center and the tenets of the profession.
• Ability to communicate cooperatively and effectively with patients, family members, employees and others.

 

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!​

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.