## Clinical Associate - 7 East at WVU Medicine: Join Our Patient-Focused Team Are you a compassionate and dedicated individual looking to make a real difference in the lives of patients? WVU Medicine's Ruby Memorial Hospital is seeking a Clinical Associate to join our 7 East team. In this vital role, you will work under the supervision of registered nurses, providing direct and indirect patient care to ensure a safe, comfortable, and healing environment. If you are passionate about patient care and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting, we encourage you to apply! ### Role Overview As a Clinical Associate, you will be an integral part of the patient care team. Your primary responsibilities will include assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), monitoring vital signs, transporting patients, collecting specimens, and performing various tests. You will also play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and safe environment, reporting any changes in patient condition, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. You must be able to follow instructions, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing situations. Your commitment to patient safety and comfort will be essential to your success in this role. ### A Day in the Life of a Clinical Associate Your day as a Clinical Associate at Ruby Memorial Hospital will be dynamic and rewarding. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect: * **Morning:** You'll start your shift by receiving a patient report from the outgoing Clinical Associate and reviewing patient care plans with the registered nurse. You will then assist patients with their morning ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, and oral hygiene. You'll also check and record vital signs, collect specimens, and prepare patients for breakfast. * **Mid-day:** Throughout the morning, you will transport patients to various tests and procedures, ensuring their safety and comfort. You will also perform glucose monitoring, assist with wound care, and provide emotional support to patients and their families. You'll document all your observations and interventions in the electronic health record. * **Afternoon:** In the afternoon, you will assist patients with lunch and dinner, encourage them to eat, and monitor their intake. You'll also assist with ambulation and range of motion exercises, helping patients regain their strength and mobility. You will continue to monitor vital signs, collect specimens, and report any changes in patient condition to the registered nurse. * **Evening:** As the day winds down, you will assist patients with their evening ADLs, prepare them for bed, and ensure their comfort. You will also tidy up patient rooms, restock supplies, and prepare the unit for the night shift. You'll provide a detailed report to the oncoming Clinical Associate, ensuring a smooth transition of care. ### Why Morgantown, West Virginia? Morgantown is a vibrant and welcoming city nestled in the heart of West Virginia. Known for its friendly atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and access to outdoor recreation, Morgantown offers a high quality of life for individuals and families. * **Affordable Living:** Morgantown's cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking financial stability. * **Education Hub:** Home to West Virginia University (WVU), Morgantown boasts a thriving academic community and a wide range of educational opportunities. * **Outdoor Recreation:** Surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and rivers, Morgantown offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. * **Arts and Culture:** Morgantown has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. * **Community Spirit:** Morgantown is known for its strong sense of community, with friendly neighbors and a welcoming atmosphere. ### Career Path The Clinical Associate position at WVU Medicine is an excellent stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. With experience and further education, you can advance to roles such as: * **Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):** After gaining experience as a Clinical Associate, you can pursue CNA certification, which will allow you to provide more direct patient care. * **Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):** With additional education and licensure, you can become an LPN, providing a wider range of nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse. * **Registered Nurse (RN):** With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, you can become a Registered Nurse, providing comprehensive patient care and leading healthcare teams. * **Other Healthcare Professions:** The experience you gain as a Clinical Associate can also be valuable for pursuing other healthcare professions, such as medical assistant, phlebotomist, or emergency medical technician (EMT). WVU Medicine is committed to supporting your professional growth and development. We offer tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and opportunities for advancement within the organization. ### Salary and Benefits The estimated salary range for the Clinical Associate position at WVU Medicine is $27,000 to $38,000 per year. This range is based on factors such as experience, education, and certifications. WVU Medicine also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **Health Insurance:** Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Generous PTO accrual for vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. * **Life Insurance:** Basic and supplemental life insurance options. * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term disability insurance. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development. * **Employee Discount Programs:** Discounts on various products and services, including travel, entertainment, and retail. ### WVU Medicine Culture WVU Medicine is a leading academic health system committed to providing the highest quality patient care. Our culture is built on a foundation of: * **Teamwork:** We believe in collaboration and communication to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. * **Compassion:** We treat our patients with empathy, respect, and dignity. * **Innovation:** We embrace new technologies and approaches to improve patient care. * **Learning:** We are committed to continuous learning and professional development. * **Community:** We are actively involved in our community and strive to make a positive impact. ### How to Apply To apply for the Clinical Associate position at WVU Medicine, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. You will be directed to our online application portal, where you can submit your resume and cover letter. Please be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience in your application. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we are actively reviewing applications and scheduling interviews. ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. **What are the minimum qualifications for this position?** * The minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or HeartSaver First Aid within 30 days of hire. 2. **Is prior patient care experience required?** * Prior patient care experience is preferred but not required. 3. **What are the essential job duties of a Clinical Associate?** * Essential job duties include assisting patients with ADLs, monitoring vital signs, transporting patients, collecting specimens, and performing various tests. 4. **What opportunities are there for advancement at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine offers numerous opportunities for advancement, including roles such as CNA, LPN, RN, and other healthcare professions. 5. **What benefits does WVU Medicine offer?** * WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, and disability insurance. 6. **What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment with a focus on teamwork, compassion, and innovation. 7. **How do I apply for this position?** * To apply, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page and submit your resume and cover letter. 8. **What is the dress code for Clinical Associates?** * Clinical Associates are required to wear scrubs in a color designated by the department. Specific details will be provided during orientation. 9. **Are there opportunities for overtime in this role?** * Overtime opportunities may be available depending on the needs of the unit. This will be discussed with your supervisor. 10. **Who can I contact if I have questions about the application process?** * You can contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department for assistance with the application process. We look forward to receiving your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity to join our team at WVU Medicine!