Student Health Care Assistant

Join Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, AL, a 175-bed, Joint Commission–accredited community hospital that serves as a critical healthcare hub in the region. Vaughan delivers a full complement of hospital services, including emergency care, to the Black Belt area of southern Alabama. As part of ScionHealth, Vaughan combines system strength with strong local impact so that you can make your mark where your work truly matters.

Job Summary

The Student Health Care Assistant supports licensed clinical staff in the delivery of safe, compassionate patient care while gaining hands-on exposure to a hospital environment. This role is designed for students (at least 16 years of age) who are actively enrolled in high school, vocational, or post-secondary healthcare education programs and are seeking supervised clinical experience aligned with their educational pathway. Under direct supervision, the Student Health Care Assistant performs non-licensed, supportive patient care activities and unit support functions within their scope of training and organizational policy. This role provides students with practical experience to reinforce classroom learning, explore healthcare career pathways, and develop foundational clinical and professional skills.

Essential Functions

All duties performed under direct supervision and within approved scope:

• Assists with basic patient care activities, including hygiene, bathing, feeding, ambulation, toileting, positioning, and comfort measures.

• Assists with obtaining and documenting vital signs as permitted by training and policy.

• Supports patient mobility and safe transfers using appropriate equipment and techniques.

• Observes clinical staff during examinations and procedures for educational exposure.

• Responds to patient call lights and communicates patient needs to licensed staff.

• Transports patients, specimens, equipment, and supplies within the facility.

• Delivers meals, assists with feeding as appropriate, and removes food trays.

• Provides non-clinical comfort care items (e.g., blankets, hygiene kits, reading materials).

• Assists with evening care activities such as oral hygiene, linen refresh, room tidying, and patient comfort checks.

• Observes and reports changes in patient condition, behavior, or comfort to supervising staff.

• Practices standard precautions, infection control, and safety procedures at all times.

• Interacts professionally with patients and families, demonstrating respect, dignity, and compassion.

• Performs other related duties as assigned, consistent with training, supervision, and organizational policy.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Ability to follow instructions and work under direct supervision.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Basic understanding of patient safety, confidentiality, and teamwork.

• Ability to respond calmly and professionally in emergent or stressful situations.

• Attention to detail and willingness to learn.

• Basic computer skills and ability to learn electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

• Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and time management skills.

• Sufficient proficiency in spoken and written English to support patient safety and communication.

Education

• High School student enrollment or enrollment in a vocational or post-secondary education program (required)
  OR

• Current enrollment accepted into or intending to complete a healthcare certification or clinical education program upon graduation (e.g., CNA, PCT, Phlebotomy, EMT, Medical Assistant, etc.) (required)

Licenses/Certifications

• None required upon hire

• CPR – Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation upon hire or within facility-specified timeframe (preferred)

Experience

• None required

Additional Qualification Clarifications

• Participation contingent upon acceptance into an approved student or pipeline program (required)