About the Institute for Patient Care

Patient Care Associate (PCA)

The PCA orientation program includes individuals who have been hired as a PCA, student nurse PCA or critical care PCA. The 2-day central orientation program provides a foundation for all three groups of PCAs.

PCA

The PCA orientation is designed for the Certified Nursing Assistant. It includes the 2-day program consisting of didactic classes, simulated laboratory practice and a precepted, on-unit experience. In addition, the orientee must complete an orientation module assigned to them on HealthStream, our online learning management system.

Student Nurse PCA

To be eligible for a Student Nurse PCA, the applicant must be a nursing student enrolled in a professional nursing education program and have completed one clinical rotation. Nursing Student PCAs are required to submit an instructor-completed skills checklist and a copy of a current CPR card.

Orientation for the Student Nurse PCA is two days in length, followed by a period of precepted, on-unit experience.

Critical Care PCA

This program is an extension of the central PCA program. It includes additional time for learning and laboratory experiences, specific to the critical area units. It is a unit-based training.