Casual Nursing Care Assistant (NCA) - ICU - Uniontown Hospital

Role Overview

The Casual Nursing Care Assistant (NCA) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Uniontown Hospital plays a vital role in providing direct patient care and supporting the nursing staff. This position is responsible for assisting patients with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. The NCA works under the direct supervision of registered nurses and contributes to the overall well-being of patients in the ICU.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for a Casual NCA in the ICU at Uniontown Hospital involves a variety of tasks centered around patient care and support. Here’s a glimpse into the daily routine: * **Assisting with hygiene:** Providing patients with baths, showers, and oral care. * **Monitoring vital signs:** Regularly checking and recording patients' temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates. * **Assisting with meals:** Helping patients with feeding and ensuring proper nutritional intake. * **Mobility assistance:** Assisting patients with ambulation and transfers, using proper body mechanics and safety equipment. * **Documentation:** Accurately documenting patient information and care provided. * **Communication:** Communicating patient needs and concerns to the nursing staff. * **Maintaining a clean environment:** Ensuring patient rooms and common areas are clean and organized. * **Responding to call lights:** Answering patient calls promptly and addressing their needs. * **Restocking supplies:** Ensuring adequate supplies are available for patient care. * **Emotional support:** Providing emotional support and companionship to patients and their families. ## Why Uniontown, Pennsylvania? Uniontown, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger urban centers. Located in Fayette County, it provides a lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas, making it an attractive place to live and work. The area boasts a rich history, beautiful natural landscapes, and a close-knit community. Employees at Uniontown Hospital can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural events, and community involvement. ## Career Path The Casual NCA position can serve as a stepping stone to various career paths within the healthcare field. With experience and further education, NCAs can advance to roles such as: * **Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):** Obtaining certification can lead to more responsibilities and higher pay. * **Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):** Completing an LPN program can open doors to more advanced nursing care duties. * **Registered Nurse (RN):** Earning an RN degree provides the opportunity to provide comprehensive patient care and assume leadership roles. * **Other healthcare roles:** With additional training, NCAs can pursue careers in medical assisting, phlebotomy, or other allied health professions. WVU Medicine supports employee growth and development through various training programs and educational opportunities. ## Salary and Benefits The estimated salary range for a Casual NCA in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, is $30,000 to $45,000 per year. This range may vary based on experience, certifications, and specific job duties. In addition to competitive pay, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **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 options * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term coverage * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Assistance for continuing education * **Wellness Programs:** Resources and incentives for healthy living * **Employee Discounts:** Discounts on WVU Medicine services and products * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):** Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses * **Dependent Care Assistance:** Support for childcare expenses * **Employee Recognition Programs:** Rewards for outstanding performance ## WVU Medicine Culture WVU Medicine is committed to providing high-quality patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. The organization values teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and skills to enhance patient outcomes and organizational success. WVU Medicine also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and equitable workplace for all. ## How to Apply To apply for the Casual NCA position in the ICU at Uniontown Hospital, please click on the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. Complete the application in full, providing accurate and detailed information about your qualifications and experience. Be sure to highlight your skills in patient care, communication, and teamwork. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Q1: What are the minimum qualifications for this position?** A: The minimum qualification is a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). **Q2: Is certification required?** A: A Pennsylvania Department of Health Nursing Assistant Certification is preferred but not required. **Q3: What experience is preferred?** A: One (1) year recent experience in a clinical setting providing Direct Patient Care or completion of or current enrollment in a health-related program that has provided the ability to perform Nursing Care Assistant skills; i.e. vitals, intake and output, feeding, and bathing is preferred. **Q4: What are the core duties and responsibilities of an NCA?** A: The core duties include assisting with patient care, monitoring vital signs, documenting information, and maintaining a clean environment. **Q5: What physical requirements are involved in this role?** A: The role requires frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting, as well as the ability to lift and/or carry up to/over 50 pounds. **Q6: What is the working environment like?** A: The working environment involves exposure to bloodborne pathogens, latex, and radiation. **Q7: What skills and abilities are important for this position?** A: Important skills include the ability to attend to more than one aspect of a situation simultaneously and efficiency in processing verbal information. **Q8: What opportunities for advancement are available?** A: Opportunities for advancement include becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Registered Nurse (RN). **Q9: What benefits are offered by WVU Medicine?** A: WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement. **Q10: How can I learn more about WVU Medicine's culture?** A: You can learn more about WVU Medicine's culture by visiting the organization's website and reading about its values, mission, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.