Job Description

Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units Program (OTxHU)

Since 2016, Correctional Health Services (CHS) has been the direct provider of health care in the New York City jails. Deeply committed to human dignity and patient rights, CHS is part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system and is a key partner in the City’s efforts to reform the criminal-legal system. Our in-jail clinical services include medical, nursing, and mental health care; pharmacy services; substance-use treatment; social work; dental and vision care; discharge planning; and reentry support.

Given the high visibility of this initiative, we are seeking the highest caliber health care professionals in key clinical services to staff our Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units (OTxHU). To be located in three NYC Health + Hospital acute care facilities, the OTxHU is a pioneering approach to safely increasing access to high quality clinical care for patients in custody who have complicated health conditions. OTxHUs will bridge the gap in the continuum between care provided in the jails and inpatient hospitalization, with admission to and discharge from the OTxHU in accordance with a patient’s clinical needs. CHS will be the primary health care providers on these units and the NYC Department of Correction will provide security and custody management.

The OTxHU at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue in Manhattan will be the first of this unique, groundbreaking project to open with a planned completion date as early as the end of 2024. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a passionate and motivated team providing care to some of the City’s most marginalized, vulnerable people.

*To help support continuity of operations and care, staff selected to work in the OTxHU may also be required to work in CHS locations within the jails. Additionally, while CHS seeks the most qualified individuals for these positions, preference will be given to equally qualified, internal candidates.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Nurses, the Patient Care Associate will assist the professional staff by performing veni-puncture, finger-sticks, HIV Pre and Post Test Counseling, and Rapid HIV Testing while responding and assisting with emergencies. Will perform various clerical and health related duties associated with patient care (ADLs as indicated) and contributing to the safety, care and comfort of patients. The duties are assigned by and are performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The Patient Care Associate may be required to perform the duties listed below and other duties involving same type, area of responsibility. Patient care associates also observe their patient's mental, emotional and physical conditions and report any changes to the nursing staff.

Responsibilities

• Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete).
• Assist with patient’s personal hygiene – including skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc.
• Transfer patients – to other departments, in and out of bed, stretcher and wheelchair including physical and mechanical lifting.
• Position patients and carries out range of motion exercises.
• Assist with ambulating, toileting and all ADL as directed.
• Prepare patients for meals and assists with feedings as needed.
• Assist with unit admissions and transfer of patient.
• Make beds and tidies patient area for bed ridden patients.
• Take and document in the electronic medical records all patient’s vital signs – B/P, TPR, weights, intake and output and performs EKG’s as required and follows outlined procedures for faxing abnormal EKGs.
• Perform dry sterile dressing changes and assists with other patient treatments.
• Administer hot and cold applications to patients, under supervision.
• Maintain intake and output for oral and body excretions.
• Notify MD/Nurse Staff of any changes in patient’s status.
• Perform urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization.
• Chaperon staff in all clinical areas when requested.
• One to one observations
• Maintain competency in nursing skills as detailed in the clinical Performance checklist for Nursing Assistant.
• Assist with nursing follow-ups and transmits necessary information to laboratory electronically.
• Anticipate and acts to maintain a safe environment.
• Perform job functions in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources.
• Must wait for relief at change of tour by staff with same title (relieving PCA)
• Document all encounters in Electronic Medical Records.
• Complete encounter forms every shift.
• Perform HIV Pre and Post test counseling
• Perform rapid HIV Test
• Enter data in the rapid HIV database and electronic medical record
• Fax rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office every tour
• Perform Quality controls
• Perform EKGs and fax information
• Perform Nursing Follow-up as assigned
• Assist with Admission processing
• Perform Veni-punctures
• Assist in Emergency Responses
• Clean equipment, i.e. Thermometers, B/P machine, EKG machine, suction machine, refrigerators, and other treatment equipment
• Stock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery supplies
• Maintain cleanliness of surface area of treatment and exam rooms
• Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment
• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds. Moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Fine motor skills
• Visual acuity

Departmental Preferences

1. Ability to support nursing colleagues and maintain a positive work environment.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, patients, and other healthcare providers.
3. Skills in training, mentoring, and developing peer nursing staff.
4. Ability to maintain high degree of professionalism and courtesy especially when managing conflicts and deescalating challenging situations
5. Ability to adapt to new or changing circumstance, collaborate with team members, and work well under pressure.
6. Ability to support the care delivery model and environment to ensure the delivery of safe patient care that is evidence based.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization; and
2. Successful completion of training courses in the performance of phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG), or completion of a training program or programs that include the performance of phlebotomy and EKG, such as Phlebotomy Technician and EKG Technician training programs, a Patient Care training program, or a Medical Assistant training program; and
3. Holds, or obtains through facility orientation, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).

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