The healthcare industry is evolving day by day, and we know that there is a growing need for doctors today. However, they can’t always look after patients, which is where the role of the patient care associate comes into action.
In this blog, you will learn about a patient care associate, how to become a PCA, and much more. Happy reading!
Table of Contents
Definition of Patient Care Associate
A Patient Care Associate, also known as a Patient Care Technician or Nursing assistant, ensures that the patients receive the care, support, and attention which is required by the patient during their ill health. They work under a team of doctors and nurses and in various settings like hospitals, clinics, and rehab centers. The associates are the backbone of the nurses and doctors as they work a lot behind the scenes. Their ultimate goal is to make the patient feel comfortable and nurture them till the patient’s last day in the hospital.
How to Become a PCA?
1. Educational Requirements to Become a Patient Care Associate
- To become a patient care associate, you need to first complete your high school education in the field of Science and technology.
- You can take up certification programs like CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), CPR, and basic life support Certification. These certificates make you professionally certified and provide a variety of opportunities.
- Undergraduate or Postgraduate programs such as Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing can also be considered. A Master’s degree program like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Master’s in Public Health (MPH) can be done after the undergraduate course.
- These degree courses are not specifically for PCA but are more advanced and can pave a better way for this role in the healthcare industry.
- You can take up on-the-job training while doing these courses so that you can get practical knowledge of the things you are learning theoretically.
2. Skills Required to Become A PCA
Here are some essential skills to become a Patient Care Associate.
1.Good Communication Skills
You need to report to your higher officials, have good listening skills, should be able to resolve conflicts if they take place between the patients and any hospital staff, and should be able to maintain decorum.
2. Patience and Compassion
The associates should be patient and compassionate to deal with the patients and calm them down before the operations.
3. Physical Stamina
The PCAs should be able to work long shifts, have quick mobility during emergencies, and be resilient during physical stress.
4. Preparing Exam Rooms:
The PCAs should take care that the room should be sanitized properly. It should be safe and sterile before the doctor or patients enter the room.
5. Keeping Records:
While assisting the doctors, the PCA should keep taking notes, medical records, and prescriptions of the patient. All these documents should be maintained properly by the PCA and given to the doctor as and on it is required.
Roles and Responsibility
Here are the roles and responsibilities of a Patient Care Associate that he/she generally performs.
1. Patient Handling and Repositioning
The PCA assists nurses in safely moving the patients from one ward to another depending upon the time and condition.
2. Replenishment of Supplies
They should ensure that the medical supplies, medicines and other items are restocked.
3. Delivery of Critical Items
Collect all the essential items like test results, X-ray reports, that is needed by medical staff and nurses.
4. Providing Emotional Support
They should provide emotional support, be compassionate, and make the patients feel more comfortable after their operations if required.
5. Monitoring and Reporting
Keep a check on the patient’s physical and behavioral changes and report the same to the respective doctor.
6. Medication Management
The PCAs should ensure that the patients get the medications on time and according to the treatment plan.
7. Assistance with Physical Therapy
Give support to the patients in their physical therapy exercises and support them when they feel weak.
8. Updating Patient Records
Track the patient’s health progress and keep updating the same in their documents once there are any changes.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of opportunities for a PCA in the field of the healthcare industry. They can become specialized in the field like phlebotomy, dialysis, or radiology. Some opportunities exist in health administration, home and mental health care, and case management. They can get certifications like Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and can take up leadership roles in the healthcare sector industry as PCAs. Whether it may be by additional certificates, specialized training, or advanced degrees, PCAs have numerous opportunities to build an awesome career in the healthcare sector.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a PCA is a great career, especially for the ones who love to take care of and help others. Once you become a PCA, you will need to support patient’s daily needs, assist the medical staff, and provide quality care to the patients. Compassion, dedication, patience, stamina, and giving attitude are required in this profession. This will not only help one to create an impact on the lives of the patient but will also help them to grow in their career.
