HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT8333F1 Pay Grade: 13 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is technical work performing routine patient care activities in a medical or institutional setting. Work involves participating in day-to-day patient care activities such as transporting and positioning patient for routine medical tests; assisting patient in hygiene activities; administering simple therapeutic treatments and procedures; monitoring telemetry equipment; sterilizing hospital and operating facilities, equipment and surgical instruments; and stocking supply inventories. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL A: Routine… Where the work is usually repetitive and the employee works from detailed instructions, the difficulty is usually limited to accuracy and speed. Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain, clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e., easily understood or technical) within a well-defined relationship. Normal communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Service Assistant class in which the incumbents perform routine custodial/housekeeping service, laundry service, food service and personal services and do not perform day-to-day patient care activities. Differs from the Health Care Technician I class in which the incumbents assist professional staff in the diagnostic care, treatment and medical research of patients. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Transports, relaxes, informs, positions and prepares patients for a variety of routine medical tests, procedures and treatments; assists in routine activities to admit, transfer and discharge patients. Participates in direct patient care activities which include bathing, shaving, feeding, dressing, changing linens, and simple therapeutic treatments/procedures and keeping related records; measures and records vital signs. Sets up, operates and monitors telemetry equipment; documents appropriate information from observations and reports any abnormalities or malfunctions to the appropriate personnel. Maintains hospital and operating rooms by cleaning and sterilizing facilities, equipment and surgical instruments; checks for defects and expiration dates, packages and stocks sterile supplies to maintain an adequate inventory. Sets up and makes alterations in traction systems under the direction of professional medical staff; maintains adequate inventory and coordinates the use of orthopedic equipment. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of the principles of patient care, such as first aid and ward housekeeping. Abilities *Ability to work with speed and accuracy in critical situations. *Ability to follow oral and written instructions in detail. *Ability to prepare records and reports. *Ability to maintain satisfactory relationships with other employees. *Ability to perform a variety of routine cleaning tasks needed in a hospital. Ability to monitor EKG and telemetry equipment. *Ability to maintain an empathetic attitude toward patients. *Ability to perform routine procedures accurately. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Three months of experience in direct care. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 06/93 |