Patient Care Associate -PCA - Surgical & Orthopedic Unit - FT/Days

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Find your calling at Mercy!
Under the direction of the RN or LPN, assists in the individualized care of the patient to achieve the patients highest level of wellness. Works cooperatively with others as part of a team; recognizes the importance of group goals. Performs designated clinical procedures and non-clinical support tasks essential to providing care to the patient.

Position Details:

🌟 Join Our Team at Mercy Hospital Washington!

***DAY SHIFT SIGN ON BONUS-$1,500*** (FT ONLY)

Position: Patient Care Associate (PCA)

Department: Surgical & Orthopedic Unit

Shift: Full-Time | Days | 36 hours per week

🏥 Department Overview

Our high-energy, fast-paced 30-bed Med/Surg unit provides exceptional care! We specialize in caring for a diverse range of medical and post-operative patients, including but not limited to:

Orthopedic procedures (knees, hips, shoulders)
General surgeries (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colon resections)
Bariatric surgery
Sepsis, pancreatitis, and stable pneumothorax

Our nurse-to-patient ratio averages 1:6, supported by a strong team of Patient Care Associates (PCAs). The unit is known for its teamwork, compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence — making it a great place to learn, grow, and make a difference every day.

💡 Position Overview

Under the supervision of an RN or LPN, the Patient Care Associate provides hands-on care and support to patients, helping them achieve their highest level of wellness and comfort.

⚕️ Responsibilities

Patient Care Associate (PCA):

Obtain and record vital signs in the electronic medical record
Assist patients with meals, hygiene, toileting, ambulation, and transport
Provide clerical support as needed

Patient Care Technician (PCT):

In addition to PCA duties, PCTs perform:

Phlebotomy and blood cultures
Enteral feedings
Wound care
IV/Foley removal
Tracheostomy care and suctioning

✨ Advancement opportunities available through our career ladder from PCA to PCT and beyond!

🎓 Training & Development

Our PCA Training Program is an accredited Department of Labor Apprenticeship, offering comprehensive, hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment.

If you do not have prior experience, Mercy provides a 175-hour training program (meeting Department of Health and Senior Services standards) to be completed within 90 days of hire.

BLS Certification: Required within 1 month of hire
Competencies: Completed within 3 months of hire

✅ Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or GED required
CNA/CPTC certification, enrollment in a healthcare career program, or current Mercy co-worker preferred

Experience:

No prior experience required – we will train you!

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly
Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and squatting

Preferred: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

💙 Benefits

Education assistance toward nursing degrees
Health, dental, and vision coverage starting day one
401(k) with employer match beginning day one
Paid Parental Leave for new parents
Annual contribution of $100/month to eligible Dependent Care FSA
PTO accrual starts day one and includes a day for volunteering
Competitive pay and growth opportunities within Mercy

🌠 Join a team where compassion meets excellence — and every day brings an opportunity to make a difference.

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.

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5 Questions You Should Ask During the Interview

Here are 5 questions we think you could ask during your interview. Use them as a guide to help you write your own questions.

Remember: Always have at least 5 questions prepared for the interview. If you do not, you run the risk of looking unprepared.

What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?

Why ask this? You want to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations before accepting the role. Knowing how success is measured helps you hit the ground running and avoid surprises about performance evaluations. It also signals to the employer that you're results-driven.

Can you describe the team dynamic and the company culture?

Why ask this? Skills and experience matter, but if the work environment isn’t a good fit, you won’t be happy or productive. This question helps you gauge whether the company values collaboration, how teams interact, and whether the culture aligns with your work style and values.

What are the biggest challenges facing the person in this role right now?

Why ask this? Every job has challenges, and it’s better to know them upfront. This helps you assess whether the role is a good fit for your strengths and whether the company is realistic about its expectations. If they hesitate to answer, it could be a red flag.

How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being??

Why ask this? Burnout is real, and some companies expect employees to sacrifice personal time for the job. By asking this, you’ll get a sense of how they value work-life balance, flexibility, and well-being—things that are crucial for job satisfaction and long-term success.

These questions help you make an informed decision while also showing your professionalism and strategic thinking!

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