Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.
Primary Purpose Performs specified patient care activities under the direction of a Registered Nurse and is committed to the provision of patient centered/patient valued care. Minimum Specifications Education - Must have completed or hold one of the following: - A formal nurse aide course - A current certified nurse aide registry - A medical assistant course - A current medical assistant certificate - A patient care technician course - A current patient care technician certificate - Must be a currently enrolled in an accredited school of professional nursing and must have documentation of basic fundamentals of nursing from the school - Must be a graduate from an accredited school of nursing - Parkland¿s job specific training program Experience - None. Certification/Registration/Licensure: - Must have a current Heartsaver CPR course completion card within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job from one of the following: American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Skills or Special Abilities: - Must be able to demonstrate basic patient care skills and skills in the use of supplies and assigned equipment. - Must be able to communicate effectively with departmental personnel of other departments, nurses, physicians, patients and families. - Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors. Responsibilities: 1. Performs specified patient care activities, under the direction of a Registered Nurse, including providing basic hygiene care, unsterile treatments, taking vital signs, and range of motion exercises. Lifts, ambulates, and feeds patient in accordance with the provision of patient centered/patient valued care, while providing optimal care services to patients and their families. 2. Serves as a patient advocate by responding to a patient's needs and special requests. Maintains open communication, and honors patient's rights and confidentiality, while providing optimal service to patients and their families. 3. Monitors ongoing patient status and responds to a patent's change in condition by notifying and assisting nurses and other health team members in handling patient care needs. 4. Makes appropriate notations and records activities performed, such as vital signs, ambulation, feeding outcomes, etc. in accordance with standards established by the nursing unit. 5. Maintains, updates, and utilizes knowledge of sanitation, infection control, safety, supplies and equipment usage to optimize customer care and services. Monitors conditions of patient environment and equipment, i.e. wheelchairs, bed rails, scales, floor conditions, and corrects the condition and/or reports the deficiencies or defects for immediate correction as appropriate. 6. Escorts patients to other areas, clean designated or special area, provide or request translation services when applicable, perform quality control checks, and deliver patient specimens when applicable in order to provide optimal patient care. 7. Identifies ways to improve work processes and procedures or methods. Makes recommendations to supervisor and/or nursing department for appropriate changes to improve effectiveness, productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction that support the overall goals of the nursing unit, the hospital and PHHS. 8. Takes responsibility for own education and professional growth by attending in service sessions, department meetings, workshops, and reading magazines or journals on nursing care. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices. 9. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the patient care area. Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.
Freqently Asked Questions
In Dallas, holding certifications like Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or a Medical Assistant certificate often strengthens applications for Patient Care positions. Local healthcare employers, including Parkland Careers, value these credentials as they demonstrate readiness to perform essential patient care tasks effectively.
Dallas has a growing demand for healthcare assistants due to its expanding population, but competition remains moderate. Candidates with formal training, such as patient care technician courses, and current CPR certification typically stand out, especially when aiming for roles at renowned institutions like Parkland Health.
Patient Care Assistants often engage in tasks like assisting patients with mobility exercises, monitoring environmental safety, and acting as a liaison between patients and nursing staff. These responsibilities ensure comprehensive support that enhances patient comfort and care quality throughout the day.
Starting as a Patient Care Assistant can open pathways to advanced roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), especially with further education. Experience at a facility like Parkland Careers offers exposure to diverse clinical settings, fostering professional development and skill enhancement.
Parkland Careers emphasizes compassion and respect, expecting Patient Care Assistants to advocate for patient needs actively. This involves maintaining open communication, honoring confidentiality, and tailoring care approaches to individual patient preferences, reflecting the institution’s longstanding commitment to community well-being.
Parkland Health distinguishes itself through its comprehensive job-specific training and a legacy of over 125 years in community service. Patient Care Assistants here benefit from structured support, ongoing education, and a collaborative environment focused on holistic patient care, which may exceed offerings at other local healthcare providers.
Patient Care Assistants in Dallas generally earn between $28,000 and $36,000 annually. Factors influencing compensation include certifications, experience level, and employer reputation, with institutions like Parkland Careers often offering competitive wages aligned with regional healthcare salary standards.
Effective communication in Dallas’ multicultural environment often requires Patient Care Assistants to use translation services or culturally sensitive approaches. Training in patient advocacy and clear dialogue helps bridge language barriers, ensuring all patients receive equitable and respectful care.
Key skills include proficient patient hygiene assistance, accurate vital sign monitoring, and empathetic interpersonal communication. Additionally, adaptability in handling equipment and maintaining safety standards contributes to delivering patient-valued care effectively in dynamic clinical settings.
Aspiring Patient Care Assistants targeting Parkland Careers benefit from accredited programs that combine clinical fundamentals with hands-on experience, such as patient care technician or medical assistant courses. These programs align well with Parkland’s standards and prepare candidates for immediate job success.
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