Nursing Care Assistant - Ortho/Medsurg at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital

Role Overview

The Nursing Care Assistant (NCA) in the Ortho/Medsurg unit at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital plays a crucial role in providing direct patient care and supporting the nursing staff. This position involves assisting patients with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. The NCA works under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to deliver compassionate and efficient care to patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries and managing medical conditions.

Day in the Life of a Nursing Care Assistant

A typical day for an NCA in the Ortho/Medsurg unit includes:

• Assisting patients with personal hygiene, such as bathing, dressing, and oral care.
• Helping patients with mobility, including walking, transferring to chairs, and repositioning in bed.
• Monitoring and recording vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate.
• Assisting with meals and ensuring patients receive proper nutrition and hydration.
• Answering call lights and addressing patient needs promptly.
• Reporting any changes in patient condition to the nursing staff.
• Maintaining a clean and organized patient environment.
• Assisting with simple treatments and procedures as directed by the nursing staff.
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients.
• Documenting patient care activities accurately and timely.

Why Uniontown, Pennsylvania?

Uniontown, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger city amenities. Located in Fayette County, Uniontown provides a lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas, making it an attractive place to live and work. The area is known for its historical significance, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Employees at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital benefit from a supportive community, affordable housing, and a manageable commute. The hospital is a pillar of the community, providing essential healthcare services and contributing to the local economy.

Career Path for Nursing Care Assistants

The Nursing Care Assistant role is an excellent entry point into the healthcare field. With experience and further education, NCAs can advance their careers in various directions. Common career paths include:

• Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) by obtaining certification through a state-approved program.
• Pursuing education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
• Specializing in a specific area of healthcare, such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or emergency medicine.
• Taking on leadership roles, such as charge nurse assistant or team leader.
• Working in different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, or clinics.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated annual salary for a Nursing Care Assistant in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, ranges from $30,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, certifications, and employer. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching.
• Life Insurance: Basic and supplemental life insurance options.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on various products and services.
• Wellness Programs: Programs to promote employee health and well-being.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax savings accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Tax-advantaged savings accounts for healthcare expenses.
• Dependent Care Assistance: Assistance with childcare expenses.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to providing high-quality patient care and fostering a supportive work environment for its employees. The organization values teamwork, collaboration, and continuous learning. Employees are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities and contribute to the organization's mission of improving the health of the communities it serves. WVU Medicine promotes a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion, where all employees are valued and supported.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nursing Care Assistant position at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. Complete the application in full and submit all required documents. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?

   The minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

2. Is certification required for this position?

   Pennsylvania Department of Health Nursing Assistant Certification is preferred but not required.

3. What are the preferred qualifications?

   Preferred qualifications include Pennsylvania Department of Health Nursing Assistant Certification and one year of recent experience in a clinical setting providing Direct Patient Care.

4. What are the physical requirements for this job?

   The physical requirements include frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting. The ability to lift and/or carry up to/over 50 pounds is also required.

5. What is the working environment like?

   The working environment involves exposure to bloodborne pathogens, latex, and radiation.

6. What skills are important for this role?

   Important skills include the ability to attend to more than one aspect of a situation simultaneously and efficiency in processing verbal information.

7. What are the core duties and responsibilities of this position?

   The core duties include providing and assisting with patient care, communicating patient information accurately, orienting patients and families, answering call lights, documenting assigned tasks, cleaning patient equipment, and performing efficiently in emergency situations.

8. What opportunities for advancement are available?

   Opportunities for advancement include becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), pursuing education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), and specializing in a specific area of healthcare.

9. What benefits does WVU Medicine offer?

   WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and more.

10. How can I learn more about WVU Medicine?

    You can learn more about WVU Medicine by visiting the organization's website or contacting the Human Resources department.