A Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is a valued member of the clinic team working under the direction of a nurse leader to support nursing staff and Medical Assistants with non-clinical tasks. Although a PCA does not provide direct patient care, they are instrumental in helping the clinic run efficiently and effectively. 

Becoming a PCA offers an ideal opportunity for those new to the healthcare field to gain hands-on experience in a clinic to support clinical staff with administrative and logistic duties. It is anticipated that PCAs will continue to advance their skills and work towards becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (MA) through their application and completion of the Dartmouth Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program. 

• Acts as frontline representative of the patient care area
• Performs various tasks to ensure the patient care area is well supplied including ordering and obtaining supplies, re-stocking supplies and monitoring for outdates
• Maintains a clean and safe environment by caring for, and cleaning equipment, maintaining cleanliness of patient/clinic rooms, work areas, and keeping hallways clear of clutter
• Performs low-level disinfection, and is aware of infection prevention principles
• Perform quality checks of point of care testing machines
• Checks emergency stations daily and if appropriate, checks and records medication refrigerator temperatures
• Escorts patient throughout building as needed; assisting with wheelchairs as needed
• Answers telephone calls and assists in the overall functioning of the department
• Prepare patient forms with demographic information
• Delivers specimens to the laboratory and runs errands to other departments
• Participates in continuous regulatory readiness activities and employs safety standards such as repeat back, SBAR, and huddle attendance
• Participates in medication conveyance per Medication Storage and handling policy
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Additional key responsibilities for clinic/outpatient settings:

• Greets patients and assist with the rooming of patients
• Prepares patient, room and equipment for procedures and exams
• Assists patients in completing questionnaires
• Maintains chart information that is up to date, organized, and in compliance with Health Information Services (HIS)requirements
• A PCA may have direct access to drug products and secure medication areas (not to include controlled substance locations) in order to manage the storage, handling, and disposal of medications consistent with the Medication Storage and Handling Policy

• High school graduate or equivalent required
• Customer service experience preferred
• The ability to function in a fast-paced work environment with excellent organizational and prioritization skills
• Dependable and reliable

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 30 days of employment
• Completion of the Dartmouth Hitchcock Workforce Readiness Institute Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program within 1 year of employment