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Patient Care Assistant

University of California - San Francisco
32.04 - 40.06
United States, California, San Francisco
1 Shrader Street (Show on map)
May 06, 2026

Employment Duration: 3 months

Openings: 2

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) receives daily assignments and functions under the supervision of the Registered Nurse to carry out direct patient care responsibilities.

All patient care team members act to meet patient needs and learn new skills to achieve quality patient care and customer service. Team members promote a cooperative working relationship with each other, other staff, and the public by facilitating and enhancing communication, displaying honesty and respect, demonstrating sensitivity to age-specific needs and cultural differences, and expressing and accepting feedback in a professional manner.

General Patient Care

  • Provides or assists patients with personal hygiene, including bathing (tub, bed, shower), mouth care, elimination needs, and changing bed linens
  • Responds to patients' call lights promptly
  • Provides for patient comfort and safety, including ambulating, positioning, range of motion exercises, and use of side rails, special beds, and restraints
  • Turns, moves, and transfers patients and/or equipment using proper body mechanics
  • Assists patients with food needs, including collecting menus, setting up meal trays, cutting food, and feeding
  • Records nutritional intake as required
  • Assists with admission, discharge, transfer, and transport of patients, belongings, and equipment
  • Orients new patients to the room/unit
  • Organizes and prioritizes patient care tasks based on patient needs and unit activities
  • Assists with post-mortem care as assigned
  • Performs sitter/close observation responsibilities as assigned
  • Recognizes situations requiring supervision and seeks appropriate guidance
  • Communicates patient information, observations, and care provided through verbal and written reports
  • Documents procedures and care accurately and appropriately

Technical Duties

  • Reports and records delegated patient data (e.g., vital signs, pain score, oxygen saturation, height, weight, intake and output)
  • Performs selected patient care procedures such as basic skin care, hot and cold compresses, and incentive spirometry as assigned
  • Carries out duties of first responder in emergency situations
  • Sets up and maintains oxygen therapy equipment
  • Labels specimens accurately and ensures timely delivery to the laboratory
  • Performs EKGs and related documentation as required
  • Maintains EKG machines
  • Operates nursing unit equipment (e.g., computer, fax machine, intercom system)
  • Completes unit maintenance activities, including stocking supplies and cleaning equipment

Other Duties and Responsibilities

  • Follows all unit, department, and Medical Center policies, procedures, and work rules
  • Maintains confidentiality related to patients and staff
  • Adheres to established communication standards
  • Complies with infection control, health, and safety policies and procedures
  • Completes required safety training
  • Supports the mission, philosophy, and goals of the Medical Center
  • Participates in unit goals, staff meetings, in-services, and educational programs
  • Contributes to quality assurance and improvement processes
  • Maintains a clean, safe, and functional work environment
  • Adheres to work schedules and attendance guidelines
  • Complies with dress code and identification requirements
  • Assists team members as needed
  • Uses appropriate chain of command for problem-solving and communication
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to work effectively within a team
  • Ability to perform job duties as defined in the job description
  • Willingness to learn new skills
  • Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations (addition and subtraction)
  • Ability to organize and prioritize tasks effectively
  • Ability to carry out duties of first responder in emergency situations
  • Successful completion of Medical Center Patient Care Assistant training
  • Basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the responsibilities of the job is preferred

About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information


The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.


Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.


To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to work effectively within a team
  • Ability to perform job duties as defined in the job description
  • Willingness to learn new skills
  • Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations (addition and subtraction)
  • Ability to organize and prioritize tasks effectively
  • Ability to carry out duties of first responder in emergency situations
  • Successful completion of Medical Center Patient Care Assistant training
  • Basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the responsibilities of the job is preferred
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