New

Patient Care Associate: Peds/PICU: Full Time

Mercy
paid time off
United States, Missouri, St. Louis
615 South New Ballas Road (Show on map)
Aug 24, 2026
Find your calling at Mercy! Location: Mercy Hospital Schedule: Full-Time Shifts Available: Days or Nights Join Our Pediatrics/PICU Team Mercy is seeking compassionate and dedicated Patient Care Associates (PCAs) to join our Pediatrics/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) team. In this role, you will work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide exceptional care and support to pediatric and young adult patients and their families. This position requires full-time availability, including Monday through Thursday workdays. Reduced schedules or reduced hours cannot be accommodated. Candidates must be comfortable interacting with children, young adults, and parents/caregivers in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Position Details: Position Summary Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Patient Care Associate assists in providing individualized patient care to help patients achieve their highest level of wellness. The PCA performs designated clinical procedures and non-clinical support tasks while working collaboratively as part of the healthcare team. Primary Responsibilities Patient Care Assist patients with daily hygiene and personal care activities. Support routine patient activities including: Ambulation Feeding assistance Intake documentation Turning and repositioning patients Monitoring for skin breakdown and utilizing appropriate supplies Observe patient conditions and promptly report any changes or unusual occurrences to the appropriate healthcare personnel. Participate in patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, including management of patient belongings. Demonstrate sound clinical judgment and effective time management skills. Documentation & Clinical Support Collect and document patient data, including vital signs, in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Prepare charts for admissions, discharges, and transfers. File reports accurately and timely. Perform unit-specific point-of-care testing or specimen collection, such as glucose monitoring, when applicable. Assist with charge reconciliation and appropriate documentation of services. Teamwork & Communication Work collaboratively with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare team members. Demonstrate flexibility with assignments and workload while operating within scope of practice. Accept delegated responsibilities and support overall unit goals. Maintain compliance with required certifications, competencies, and e-learning assignments. Clerical & Administrative Support Answer phones and monitor call lights. Utilize unit-specific communication and operational technology. Perform additional duties as assigned. Safety & Quality Follow Mercy policies and procedures related to patient safety, confidentiality, and patient rights. Demonstrate knowledge of infection prevention and control practices. Maintain a safe patient environment through: Fall precautions Restraint management Patient identification protocols Safe patient handling practices Department-specific safety procedures Participate in quality improvement initiatives designed to enhance patient care outcomes. Technology Utilize unit-specific technology and communication tools, including: Computer systems Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Pagers Zone phones Rover devices Other unit-based technologies Qualifications Education One of the following is required: High school diploma or GED CNA or CPTC certification Enrollment in a healthcare career program through a high school curriculum Age 18 or older and eligible to participate in Mercy's UAP Training Program Current Mercy co-worker Experience No previous experience required. Training Requirements If no previous qualifying experience is present, Mercy provides a required 175-hour training program that meets Department of Health and Senior Services requirements. Training must be completed as part of the new-hire orientation process and within 90 days of hire to remain eligible for the PCA role. Certifications Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within one month of hire PCA competencies must be completed within three months of hire Physical Requirements Frequently push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds Prolonged standing and walking throughout the shift Ability to: Reach and grip Bend and kneel Twist and squat Perform other physical activities necessary for patient care Why Join Mercy? Join a team dedicated to delivering exceptional care to pediatric and critically ill patients while supporting families through every step of their healthcare journey. If you are compassionate, dependable, and eager to make a difference, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. Why Mercy? From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period. Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us. keyword(s): Patient Care Associate, PCA, Patient Care Technician, PCT, Pediatrics, PICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Direct Patient Care, Patient Support, Vital Signs, Electronic Medical Records, EMR, Patient Documentation, Patient Monitoring, Activities of Daily Living, ADLs, Ambulation Assistance, Feeding Assistance, Intake Documentation, Specimen Collection, Point-of-Care Testing, Glucose Monitoring, Admission Procedures, Discharge Procedures, Patient Transfers, Clinical Support, Bedside Care, Infection Prevention, Patient Safety, Fall Prevention, Safe Patient Handling, Restraint Management, BLS Certified, Basic Life Support, CNA, Certified Nursing Assistant, CPTC, Healthcare Support, Compassionate Care, Family-Centered Care, Pediatric Care, Critical Care, Communication Skills, Team Collaboration, Time Management, Clinical Judgment, Multitasking, Patient Advocacy, Quality Improvement, Medical Terminology, Chart Preparation, Admission Documentation, Discharge Documentation, Unit Coordination, Call Light Response, Clerical Support, Healthcare Technology, EPIC, EMR Systems, Detail-Oriented, Dependable, Flexible, Adaptable, Fast-Paced Environment, Care Coordination, Patient Observation, Therapeutic Communication, Interdisciplinary Teamwork