Patient Care Assistant Job Description Complete Guide

If you’re hiring or exploring this career, this patient care assistant job description explains exactly what PCAs do, what they need to qualify, and how the role differs by setting.

Use the copy-ready template below, plus guidance on scope of practice, salary, KPIs, and career paths. Set expectations, compare roles, and make confident decisions.

Role Snapshot: What Is a Patient Care Assistant (PCA)?

Here’s the fast answer to “what does a patient care assistant do?” PCAs are frontline caregivers who support nurses and patients with daily living activities, basic clinical tasks, mobility, and documentation across hospitals, long-term care, and home health.

Working under the direction of an RN or provider, they ensure safe, timely care and clear communication. In short, they keep routine care moving while alerting licensed staff to changes that require clinical action.

Common patient care assistant duties at a glance:

Assist with bathing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and comfort
Take and record vital signs (BP, pulse, respirations, temperature, SpO₂, pain)
Measure intake and output (I&O) and assist with meals/feeding
Support mobility and transfers using safe body mechanics and lift equipment
Collect noninvasive specimens and transport samples/equipment per policy
Document care and report changes to the RN or charge nurse

Standard Patient Care Assistant Job Description (Copy-Ready)

This section gives employers a complete, compliant PCA job description you can post today. It also gives candidates a precise picture of expectations.

Customize details like shift, unit type, and credential preferences to match your facility and state requirements.

Position Summary

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) provides direct, hands-on care and support to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed provider.

The role focuses on activities of daily living (ADLs), basic clinical monitoring, safe mobility, and accurate documentation to improve comfort, safety, and outcomes.

PCAs work across units and settings, adapting to patient age, condition, and facility protocols. Dependable teamwork and timely escalation are core to success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

Provide ADL support: bathing, grooming, oral care, toileting, feeding, and linen changes
Obtain and document vital signs, weights, pain scores, and blood glucose per protocol
Measure and chart intake and output (I&O); assist with meal setup and feeding
Safely transfer, position, and ambulate patients using gait belts and lifts; apply fall precautions
Perform noninvasive specimen collection (urine, stool) and support chain-of-custody
Prepare rooms, stock supplies, and maintain clean, safe environments including isolation precautions
Transport patients, specimens, and equipment; support pre-/post-procedure workflows
Recognize and promptly report condition changes (e.g., abnormal vitals, mental status, pain)
Document care in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and on time
Support patient experience with empathy, clear communication, and service recovery

Qualifications & Certifications

High school diploma or GED required
Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) from AHA or equivalent
Prior patient care experience preferred; CNA or PCT credential strongly preferred (required in many long-term care facilities)
Satisfactory background check, health screening, and required immunizations
Ability to pass facility-specific skills validation and annual competencies

Skills & Competencies

Compassion, patience, and cultural sensitivity
Clear communication and teamwork; confident escalation to RNs
Time management across multiple patients; reliable follow-through
Safe patient handling, body mechanics, and infection prevention
EHR literacy for basic charting (vitals, I&O, ADLs, mobility)

Reporting Structure & Team

Reports to the charge nurse and unit nurse manager; receives daily delegation from RNs
Collaborates with RNs, LPNs, providers, therapists, case managers, and ancillary teams
Participates in huddles, handoffs, and safety rounds

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

Frequent standing, walking, bending; lift, push, or pull 35–50+ lbs with assistance or devices
Uses PPE; works in isolation rooms and around bodily fluids; adheres to Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions
Fast-paced environment with exposure to alarms and frequent interruptions

Schedule & Shift Expectations

8- or 12-hour shifts; days/evenings/nights with weekends/holidays and rotating coverage
May float to comparable units and take additional assignments during surges
Reliable attendance and punctuality required

Tools, Equipment & EHR

Vital signs monitors, pulse oximeters, thermometers, scales, glucometers
Mechanical lifts, stand-assist devices, slide sheets, gait belts
EHR modules for vitals, I&O, ADL scores, mobility/turning, specimen tracking

What Do Patient Care Assistants Do? (Duties Breakdown)

This section expands each duty with practical examples so candidates and managers align expectations. PCAs pace their shift around patient needs, RN priorities, and unit workflows to keep care safe and on time.

Think of PCAs as the bridge between routine care tasks and rapid escalation when something changes.

ADLs and Patient Comfort

PCAs provide the essentials that keep patients clean, comfortable, and dignified. This includes bathing, perineal care, shaving, oral care, hair/skin care, toileting, and meal setup or feeding assistance.

For example, a morning routine might bundle a bed bath with linen change, turning, and oral care to reduce fatigue. The goal is comfort plus prevention of complications like skin breakdown.

Consistent, respectful ADL support also improves patient satisfaction and trust.

Monitoring and Basic Clinical Tasks

Under RN direction, PCAs take vital signs, perform fingerstick glucose checks if trained, measure I&O, and note pain levels or mental status changes.

In practice, a PCA may check a post-op patient’s vitals every 4 hours, record them in the EHR, and flag a new fever to the RN. Timely, accurate readings support early detection and rapid response.

When in doubt about a value or symptom, PCAs escalate promptly rather than wait for the next round.

Mobility and Safety

Safe mobility prevents falls, pressure injuries, and deconditioning. PCAs position patients at least every 2 hours as ordered, ambulate those cleared to walk, and use gait belts or lifts for transfers.

For example, a PCA may coordinate with PT to transfer a stroke patient with a stand-assist device and document the distance ambulated. Consistent safety checks reduce harm and readmissions.

Aligning mobility with therapy schedules helps conserve patient energy and improve outcomes.

Documentation and Communication

Charting completes the care loop and informs clinical decisions. PCAs document vitals, I&O, ADLs, mobility, and safety checks in the EHR.

They use a structured handoff (e.g., SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to alert RNs about changes. Clear notes and timely escalations keep the team synchronized.

Accurate time stamps and complete fields also support compliance and audit readiness.

Duties by Care Setting

PCA responsibilities vary by environment; here’s what changes—and what doesn’t—so you can staff and prepare effectively. The core remains ADLs, monitoring, mobility, and documentation.

Adjust training and ratios by unit acuity and patient population for best results.

Hospital/Acute Care

More frequent vitals; telemetry lead changes/checks support; post-op and pre-procedure prep
Specimen runs to lab; chain-of-custody as applicable; equipment transport and cleaning
Patient transport to imaging/OR; assist with fall prevention bundles and hourly rounding
Higher EHR rigor and time stamps; strict escalation pathways to RN/rapid response

Long-Term Care/Assisted Living

Predictable ADLs, restorative care, feeding assistance, and continence support
Dementia care techniques, redirection, and family communication
Longitudinal documentation of ADLs, weight trends, and behavior notes
CNA credential typically required by regulation for nursing facilities

Home Health/Rehab

Home safety checks, light meal prep, and environment setup
Assist with prescribed exercises/ROM as directed by therapy plans
Vital signs and symptom monitoring with remote check-ins
Documentation may be in mobile apps or paper forms per agency policy

Scope of Practice: What PCAs Can and Cannot Do

Understand what’s allowed to protect patients and licenses. PCAs perform delegated tasks from licensed clinicians; exact scope depends on state law and facility policy.

When responsibilities expand, verification and competency validation must come first.

Under RN/Provider Supervision

Can: ADLs, noninvasive vitals, I&O, blood glucose checks if trained, specimen collection (noninvasive), mobility, safety checks, and basic EHR charting
Must: Escalate abnormal findings, new pain, mental status changes, or any task beyond competency
Should: Ask for return demonstration or re-training when unfamiliar with a device or protocol

Medication, Invasive Procedures, and Assessments

Typically cannot: Administer medications, perform sterile/invasive procedures (e.g., catheter insertion), give independent clinical assessments, or interpret diagnostics
May be allowed by policy with training: Blood draws (phlebotomy) or EKGs in PCT-designated roles
Always verify: State nurse practice acts, facility delegation policies, and unit-specific competencies before performing advanced tasks

Qualifications and Training Pathways

Here’s how to qualify fast and stand out in competitive hospital and long-term care hiring. Employers can use these checkpoints for screening, while candidates can map a credential plan that fits their goals and timelines.

Entry Requirements

Most facilities require:

High school diploma or GED
Current BLS/CPR
Background check and drug screen
Proof of immunizations (e.g., MMR, Varicella, Hep B, Tdap, flu, COVID per policy)
Comfort with lifting and frequent standing; ability to pass a skills validation

Early exposure through volunteering or senior-care experience helps.

Read postings closely for unit-specific add-ons like telemetry exposure or bilingual skills.

Certifications and Preferred Credentials

While “PCA” is an unlicensed assistive role, credentials strengthen employability:

CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant): Required in all states for nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing facilities under federal OBRA rules; widely preferred in hospitals
PCT (Patient Care Technician): Often includes CNA plus phlebotomy/EKG; favored on telemetry and med-surg units
Add-ons: Phlebotomy, EKG tech, and dementia care certificates can expand duties where policy allows

Hospitals set their own minimums; many require or prefer CNA or PCT for acute roles. Always confirm state and facility requirements via your state nurse aide registry and employer posting.

Aligning your credential with your target setting speeds interviews and increases pay potential.

Onboarding and Competency Validation

Typical onboarding includes 1–3 days of classroom skills and safety, followed by 2–6 weeks of precepted shifts depending on unit acuity.

New PCAs complete checklists on ADLs, vitals, EHR charting, safe patient handling, and isolation protocols. They then maintain annual competencies.

Remediation or refreshers occur when policies or devices change. Ask about preceptor support and ratio expectations during interviews.

Essential Skills and Competencies

These are the behaviors and basics that drive patient safety and experience. Hiring managers should probe for them in interviews and practicals.

Candidates can prepare examples that show escalation, prioritization, and safe handling.

Communication and Teamwork

PCAs communicate clearly with patients, families, and the care team, using SBAR for timely escalations. They join safety huddles, confirm delegations, and close the loop after tasks.

Active listening and empathy reduce anxiety and improve patient experience scores. Brief, precise updates keep workflows efficient and prevent duplicate work.

Time Management and Prioritization

Balancing multiple patients means clustering care, aligning with med passes and therapy schedules, and triaging by need and safety risk.

For example, respond first to a high fall risk requesting toileting, then resume routine vitals. Good prioritization prevents missed care.

Visual task boards and hourly rounding help organize the day.

Infection Prevention and Safety

Strong hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation protocol adherence are nonnegotiable. PCAs apply safe body mechanics and use lifts to protect themselves and patients.

Documenting turns and device checks helps prevent pressure injuries and device-related harm. Safety-minded habits reduce injuries and support regulatory compliance.

Performance Metrics and Career Progression

Clear KPIs keep expectations fair and growth visible. Candidates can ask about these in interviews to gauge fit and support.

Employers can use them to standardize feedback and recognize high performers.

How PCAs Are Evaluated

Common KPIs include:

Punctuality and attendance
Documentation accuracy and timeliness
Completion of hourly rounds and turn schedules
Adherence to safety and infection control
Patient experience feedback
Teamwork and collaboration

Supervisors may audit EHR entries for completeness, such as vitals within windows, I&O totals, and ADL scores. They also track incident-free transfers.

Regular feedback occurs in 30/60/90-day reviews. Development plans often tie to competencies and expanded duties (e.g., telemetry support).

Career Ladder

Many PCAs advance to CNA or PCT within months, then pursue LPN/RN pathways. Hospitals may offer tuition assistance and clinical ladders with pay differentials for added skills (e.g., telemetry tech).

A practical path: PCA/CNA → PCT with phlebotomy/EKG → LPN/RN bridge or ADN/BSN. Each step increases scope, flexibility, and pay opportunity.

Salary, Benefits, and Job Outlook

Use this section to benchmark offers or set pay ranges. Pay varies by setting, state, and credentials, with differentials for nights, weekends, and specialty units.

Consider benefits, tuition support, and ratios alongside base rate.

National Averages and Factors

PCAs are often classified with “Nursing Assistants and Orderlies” by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As of May 2023, the median pay for this group was about $38,130 per year ($18.33/hour), with higher wages in hospitals and certain metro areas.

Factors that can raise pay include:

Hospital employment
Union facilities
Night, weekend, and holiday differentials (+$1–$5/hour)
Credentials like CNA or PCT
Local market demand and shift type

Job Growth and Demand Drivers

BLS projects steady growth for nursing assistants through 2032. Demand is driven by:

An aging population
Chronic disease prevalence
Hospital and post-acute volumes
Turnover rates in direct care roles
Expansions in home- and community-based services

Expect strong hiring in medical-surgical, telemetry, and long-term care. Candidates with PCT skills are especially competitive in acute care.

PCA vs CNA vs PCT vs Medical Assistant

Titles can blur, but responsibilities and training differ. Use these distinctions to choose the right path or hire the right role.

Matching credential to setting prevents scope conflicts and speeds onboarding.

Side-by-Side Role Differences

Patient Care Assistant (PCA): Unlicensed assistive role focused on ADLs, vitals, mobility, and basic documentation under RN direction; credentials preferred, often required by employers
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): State-certified nurse aide; required in Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing facilities; similar duties to PCA with regulated training and registry listing
Patient Care Technician (PCT): Expanded scope where allowed (often CNA + phlebotomy/EKG); common in hospitals, especially telemetry/step-down
Medical Assistant (MA): Ambulatory/clinic-focused; supports providers with rooming, vitals, injections/meds per state law; typically does not work inpatient

Which Role Fits Your Needs?

Candidates: Want hospital bedside exposure? Aim for CNA → PCT to access more units and pay. Prefer clinics or weekdays? Consider MA programs.
Employers: For inpatient ADLs and mobility, hire PCA/CNA; for telemetry, basic phlebotomy/EKG, recruit PCT; for clinics, MAs fit best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a PCA administer medications?

Generally no. Medication administration is typically restricted to licensed staff or specially trained roles (e.g., Medication Aide) per state law and facility policy; always verify your facility’s delegation policy.

Who does a PCA report to?

PCAs report to the RN/charge nurse for daily delegation and to the unit manager for performance and scheduling. They escalate changes in patient status to the RN immediately.

What shifts do PCAs work?

Common shifts are 12-hour days/nights or 8-hour days/evenings/nights, often including weekends and holidays. Night and weekend shifts usually include pay differentials.

Do PCAs need certification?

Certification isn’t universally required for hospital PCAs, but CNA or PCT credentials are strongly preferred and required for nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid-certified long-term care facilities.

Copy-Paste PCA Job Description Template

Use this customizable template to post your role quickly and accurately. Fill in shift, unit, and credential preferences to match your setting and compliance needs.

Job Title: Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

Location: [Facility/Unit, City, State]

Schedule: [Full-time/Part-time/Per Diem]; [8- or 12-hour shifts]; [Days/Evenings/Nights]; Weekends/Holidays as needed

Summary: [Facility Name] seeks a compassionate Patient Care Assistant to support patients with daily living, basic clinical monitoring, mobility, and documentation under RN supervision. You will help deliver safe, timely, patient-centered care on our [Unit/Service]. This role requires excellent communication, safe handling skills, and consistent follow-through.

Responsibilities:

Assist with ADLs (bathing, grooming, toileting, feeding) and patient comfort
Take and record vital signs, weights, pain scores; measure and chart I&O
Support mobility and transfers using proper body mechanics and lift devices
Collect noninvasive specimens; transport patients/samples/equipment per policy
Maintain clean, safe rooms with proper PPE and isolation practices
Document care in the EHR accurately and on time; promptly report changes to the RN
Participate in huddles, handoffs, and safety rounds

Requirements:

High school diploma/GED; current BLS/CPR
[CNA/PCT required or preferred]; prior patient care experience preferred
Background check, health screening, and required immunizations
Ability to lift/push/pull 35–50+ lbs with assistance; stand/walk for long periods
EHR proficiency and excellent communication skills

Reporting: Reports to RN/Charge Nurse and Unit Nurse Manager; collaborates with interdisciplinary team

Tools/Technology: Vital sign monitors, glucometers, lifts/stand-assist, gait belts; EHR documentation (vitals, I&O, ADLs, mobility)

Benefits: [Hourly rate or range] + [Shift differentials]; [Health/Dental/Vision]; [Retirement]; [Tuition assistance]; [PTO]

How to Apply: Submit your application at [URL] or contact [Recruiter/HR Contact, Email/Phone].

Interview prompts for employers (optional add-on):

Tell me about a time you escalated a patient change—what did you notice and how did you act?
How do you prioritize when two patients need help at the same time?
Walk me through safe transfer steps for a patient with left-sided weakness.

Tips to write a competitive PCA job ad:

Lead with shift, pay range, differentials, and unit type
Highlight training, preceptorship length, and tuition assistance
Clarify ratios/acuity expectations and float requirements

Sources and Expert Review

This article reflects current U.S. standards and common facility policies; always follow your state nurse practice act and employer procedures. Use these resources to confirm pay, training, and scope requirements in your location.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, Occupational Outlook and Pay (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), OBRA requirements for nurse aide training/competency (https://www.cms.gov)
State Nurse Aide Registries (search “Your State + Nurse Aide Registry”)
American Heart Association, BLS/CPR Provider (https://cpr.heart.org)
OSHA/NIOSH Safe Patient Handling and Mobility resources (https://www.osha.gov; https://www.cdc.gov/niosh)
The Joint Commission, Documentation and Patient Safety standards (https://www.jointcommission.org)

Editorial note: Content prepared by our healthcare editorial team with input from licensed nursing professionals and aligned to widely adopted hospital and long-term care practices as of 2025.

For legal or policy interpretation, consult your compliance department or state board of nursing.

Takeaway: Use this guide and templates to align expectations, hire confidently, and step into the PCA role with clarity about duties, scope, and growth.