Patient Care Assistant
Posted Aug 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
This is a PRN nights role on Medical-Surgical at St. Joseph's in Breese. What's your experience as a CNA or PCA, and what kind of unit was it?
What they are checking: Whether they meet the experience requirement and have worked with the pace and patient mix of a hospital unit.
Tell me about a time you noticed something about a patient that the nurse hadn't seen yet.
What they are checking: Whether they pay close attention at the bedside and speak up, since PCAs often see changes first.
How do you protect a patient's dignity during bathing or toileting?
What they are checking: Whether they treat personal care as respectful care, which matters a lot to patients and families.
Tell me about a time you worked nights. How did you stay alert and keep your work accurate?
What they are checking: Whether they can handle night shift realistically, since fatigue leads to missed observations.
What would you do
A confused patient keeps trying to climb out of bed at 3am. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they put fall safety first, use alarms and redirection, and bring the nurse in rather than restraining on their own.
You have three call lights on at once and one patient needs help to the bathroom. How do you decide what to do first?
What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize by safety and urgency and ask for help instead of rushing everyone.
A nurse asks you to do something you haven't been trained to do. What do you say?
What they are checking: Whether they know their scope and will decline politely rather than guess.
How would you handle a family member who is upset that their mother hasn't been helped yet?
What they are checking: Whether they can stay calm, acknowledge the concern, and get the right person involved.
About the work
Walk me through how you take and report a set of vital signs. What numbers would make you find the nurse right away?
What they are checking: Whether they know normal ranges and understand their job is to report changes quickly, not interpret them alone.
How do you safely move or reposition a patient who can't help much?
What they are checking: Whether they use proper body mechanics and lift equipment, protecting both the patient and themselves.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by HSHS.