Patient Care Assistant Duties

A patient care assistant performs duties similar to that of a nurse, with the exception of administering medication and other medical treatment. A patient care assistant often provides care and companionship in a medical or home environment while a nurse or other medical professional cares for patient medical needs. 

Transportation

One of the many duties of patient care assistance is transporting patients to medical appointments when transportation is needed. Many patients do not have access to transportation to go to scheduled testing and exams. Patient care assistants offer companionship throughout the visit as well as transportation back home once the testing or office visit has been completed.

Vital Signs

Vital signs can be administered by a patient care assistant in a medical setting. A patient care assistant is often the first contact with a patient. Heart rate, blood pressure and temperature are often taken by this medical professional and recorded into the patient's chart. This information is then transferred to the nurse and doctor who are going to see the patient. 

Personal Care & Companionship

Personal care and companionship are often needed in a home setting or in nursing homes and assisted living situations. Helping patients with basic care such as feeding, dressing and self-grooming is one of the many roles that a patient care assistant can provide. Assisting with medical orders such as therapy exercises and collection of lab specimens can also be done by the medical assistant to assure that patients are meeting the medical recommendations of their doctor.