Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Auburn, WA, 98002
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 23 December 2025
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Franciscan Medical Group is currently seeking a per diem Clinic Medical Assistant Float for the Franciscan Regional Float Pool in Pierce County. Certified Medical Assistants may apply for an excellent opportunity to learn clinical details across both primary and specialty Virginia Mason Franciscan Medical Group clinics. You receive additional compensation for your flexibility to travel within the Puget Sound area as you expand your knowledge in ambulatory patient care. Come join our high performing clinical float pool team!
NOTE: Float Pool Supervisor is willing to discuss the region that will work best for you! King, Pierce and Peninsula Regions!
Job Summary:Under the direction of the health care provider, Certified Medical Assistant is responsible for the delivery of patient care that promotes the safety and wellbeing of all patients. Accurately performs preliminary physical tests such as: measures blood pressure, records weight, temperature, pulse and respirations and other measures as directed by established clinical protocols. Support of regional clinics by driving to various assigned locations. If assigned to the centralized FMG Float Pool, an incumbent provides patient care services to the assigned clinic/work unit as needed to meeting staffing needs. Requires frequent driving to assigned location(s). Key Responsibilities:
- Perform general patient care by following established standards and procedures.Greet and prepare patients for the health care provider.
- Obtain and record vital signs including but not limited to, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, height, weight, drug allergies, and current medications and presenting problem.
- May be required to draw and collect blood samples from patients and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Administer ordered medications and/or vaccines via oral, injection, topically, rectal, ophthalmic, and/or inhalant administration.
- May perform routine tests including but not limited to EKG’s.
- May pend orders in the EHR for provider sign off as directed.
- Communicate with patient regarding test results and plan of care by phone or mail as directed by physician.
- Prepare, clean and sterilize instruments and maintain equipment; keep patient exam rooms stocked, clean and orderly; dispose of contaminated items according to protocol.
- Document patient plan(s) of care, tests and examination results in the medical record as directed by the provider.
- Escalate non-routine issues, questions and/or concerns to the practice manager or healthcare provider(s).
- Ensure safety checklists/quality controls are completed as required.
- Provide for patient safety and protection of patient privacy rights using HIPAA compliance.
- Perform other duties as assigned by practice manager, supervisor, Lead or as requested by healthcare provider(s).
Education/Work Experience Requirements
- High School Diploma (or GED equivalent) and completion of a Medical Assistant certification program at an accredited institution that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities.
- One year experience as a Medical Assistant preferred.
Licensure/Certification
- Current certification by the State of Washington as a Medical Assistant.
- Must have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification If assigned to the FMG Float Pool, current driver’s license and ability to drive to assigned location(s).
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
In Auburn, WA, Patient Care Assistants often support multiple clinics within Catholic Health Initiatives, including primary and specialty care. This multi-site flexibility enhances clinical skills and offers varied patient care experiences, reflecting the organization's commitment to comprehensive regional healthcare.
Candidates need Washington state medical assistant certification plus current BLS (Basic Life Support). For float roles involving travel across clinics, a valid driver’s license is crucial, ensuring compliance with both healthcare and transportation requirements in the Puget Sound area.
Starting as a PCA in Auburn hospitals opens pathways to advanced clinical roles like Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse. Exposure to diverse patient care settings, ongoing certifications, and networking within Catholic Health Initiatives' extensive system can accelerate career advancement.
A typical day involves preparing patients, recording vital signs, assisting with lab draws, administering medications, and maintaining exam rooms. Flexibility to travel between clinics in the Puget Sound area adds variety, demanding strong organizational skills and patient-focused communication.
The organization provides tailored region assignments (King, Pierce, Peninsula), open communication with float pool supervisors, and opportunities to expand clinical skills. This approach fosters a supportive environment, balancing patient care demands with professional growth within its healthcare network.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes holistic care, blending body, mind, and spirit, which cultivates a compassionate workplace culture. PCAs benefit from collaborative teams, diverse clinical exposure, and a legacy of innovation uncommon in smaller or less integrated Auburn healthcare providers.
Patient Care Assistants in Auburn typically earn between $18 to $24 per hour, reflecting the competitive Puget Sound healthcare market. This range aligns with Washington state standards, influenced by cost of living and demand for certified medical assistants in hospital and clinic float pools.
Yes, PCAs must document patient care, test results, and care plans accurately in EHR systems at various sites. This responsibility requires adaptability to different clinic workflows and strict adherence to privacy standards, ensuring seamless patient information management across facilities.
While one year of medical assistant experience is preferred, new PCAs may join the float pool with certification and receive on-the-job training across clinics. The float model supports skill development in ambulatory care settings under experienced supervision.
Auburn's healthcare sector experiences steady PCA demand due to aging populations and expanding services. While competition exists, candidates with multi-clinic flexibility, certification, and BLS credentials stand out, especially for per diem and float pool roles within Catholic Health Initiatives.