This program is through our partnership with Communities in Schools (CIS), CNREP, and YES Prep. Participants of this program are graduating seniors from a participating high school and must turn the age of 18 before June 5, 2026.
At Houston Methodist, the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Student position is a Community In Schools (CIS) student 8-week program in which incumbents should document, where applicable, care administered, diagnostic measurements, treatments and procedures and demonstrate the ability to continuously progress in basic knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated tasks for age-specific, diverse patient population. This position receives coaching from preceptors, Registered Nurses (RN) and management and performs delegated patient care tasks under the supervision of the RN. The Patient Care Assistant Extern position responds to the call light system and records data established by policy and procedure, and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse. This position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions. The Patient Care Assistant Extern position practices Patient and Family Centered Care in concert with Houston Methodist ICARE values.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) or Community In Schools (CIS) or Wesley House program incumbents enrolled in a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant program within one month of hire.
EXPERIENCE
None
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association within 1 month and
Must have CNA state license or CMA through an approved credentialing certification agency (AAMA, NAHP, NCCT, NHA) upon completion of program within 90 days
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Performs basic patient care activities of daily living (ADL's) within unit specific defined limits and job scope, such as assistance with patient elimination, hygiene, comfort, safety, nutrition, and progress activity
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance. Works well with others to make contributions to the work effort as a whole, escalating issues for problem resolution.
Seeks guidance from interprofessional health care team, when needed, and applies feedback to improve patient outcomes. Follows channels of communication for effective problem solving.
Applies expected behaviors and actions with team members which contribute to improvement of department score for employee engagement, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Follows the patient and family-centered care standards and provides direct patient care under the direction of a registered nurse. Responds to the call light system, contacting nursing personnel as appropriate, and follows through with meeting patient needs.
Provides care to patients assigned within unit-specific, defined limits or serves as a sitter after validated specific competencies.
Assists with maintaining, cleaning, and stocking of equipment and supplies as established on assigned unit. May serve as an in-house courier which may include retrieving blood, hand delivering labs, tele boxes, etc.
Applies expected behaviors and actions which contributes to department score for patient satisfaction.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Documents, where applicable, care administered, diagnostic measurements, treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures keeping the safety of the patient in mind.
Reports observations, conditions and problems of patients to the licensed nurse. Provides for the privacy of patients and families, keeping the safety of the patient in mind.
Applies expected behaviors and actions to improve quality and safety scores.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Applies expected behaviors and actions which contributes to meeting department financial targets.
Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime, assisting coworkers as needed.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs on knowledge base, skill level and decision-making, as necessary, especially in areas of question, from preceptor and assigned licensed personnel and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
Uniform: No
Scrubs: Yes
Business professional: No
Other (department approved): Yes ON-CALLNote that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call* No TRAVEL** Travel specifications may vary by department
May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America's "Best Hospitals." As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation's largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist's primary academic affiliates are among the nation's leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
