Patient Care Assistant - Day or Night Shift Available

Nexus Health Systems Ltd · Houston, TX Full Time
$53290 – $53290 / year
Apply Now →

Job Description

Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Schedule: 12-hour shifts | Days, Nights, or Weekends About Nexus Children’s Hospital – Houston Nexus Children’s Hospital – Houston offers structured, inpatient care for children ages 4 to 18 with severe autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) . Situated in a quiet neighborhood in Houston’s Westchase District , this bright, home-like environment provides a safe, supportive space for children to grow and heal. Our dedicated team helps patients reduce aggressive behaviors , develop effective communication methods , improve social interaction , and ultimately reintegrate successfully into their communities — because at Nexus, we’re mending minds. Position Summary The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) provides direct care, structure, and emotional support to children and adolescents with autism and developmental disabilities. Working under the supervision of licensed nurses and behavioral health professionals, the PCA helps patients build communication skills, manage behaviors, and participate in therapeutic and educational activities designed to enhance independence and quality of life. Key Responsibilities Provide direct care and supervision for pediatric patients, assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and grooming. Observe, monitor, and accurately document patients’ behavior, communication progress, participation, and vital signs. Foster a safe, predictable, and nurturing environment consistent with trauma-informed and autism-sensitive practices. Support behavioral interventions, sensory activities, and structured routines designed to promote stability and engagement. Assist in implementing individualized care and behavioral support plans under clinical direction. Respond to behavioral escalations or crises using approved de-escalation and intervention techniques to ensure safety. Collaborate closely with nurses, therapists, behavioral specialists, and educators to provide coordinated, compassionate care. Licensure & Certifications De-escalation Training – required within 30 days of hire CPR / BLS Certification – required Our Core Values: GOPTIC At Nexus, GOPTIC is more than a slogan—it’s the foundation of how we care for children and families. Genuine – We act with honesty, integrity, and empathy in all interactions. Ownership – We take responsibility for our actions and celebrate our shared success. Positivity – We create a hopeful and encouraging environment for every child and family. Teamwork – We work together across disciplines to achieve the best outcomes. Innovation – We constantly seek better, more creative ways to support healing and growth. Compassion – We put our patients first, leading with kindness and understanding. Before You Apply Ask yourself: Have you worked with children or adolescents who have autism or developmental disabilities? Can you commit to 12-hour shifts ? Are you flexible to work days, nights, or weekends ? Are you passionate about helping children build communication, social, and life skills ? Do you live the GOPTIC values every day? If your answer is YES , we invite you to apply today and join the Houston team within the Nexus network of care — where we’re mending minds and empowering growth every day.

This is a preview of the job listing. The full posting includes complete compensation details, benefits package, qualification requirements, and application instructions.

View Full Job Details & Apply →

What Most Job Listings Don’t Tell You

General overview for this role type — specific duties and requirements vary by employer.

Care aide and CNA positions in senior living are hands-on roles that require both physical stamina and genuine emotional resilience. In Texas, CNAs must hold an active certification through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, while caregiver and aide positions may not require formal certification but typically involve on-the-job training.

What catches many new hires off guard is the physical demand — you will be on your feet for the full shift, assisting with transfers, repositioning, and mobility support. Memory care roles add another layer, as working with residents experiencing dementia or Alzheimer's requires specialized patience and de-escalation skills. Most facilities offer shift differentials for evenings and weekends, and many in the Houston area provide tuition assistance programs for aides looking to advance into nursing.

What to Expect in This Role Day-to-Day

Based on typical senior living facilities in the Houston area.

Your day typically begins with morning routines — helping residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, and getting to breakfast. Throughout the shift, you will assist with meals, escort residents to activities, monitor for changes in behavior or health, and document everything in the care log. Vital signs checks happen at regular intervals, and you will be the first person to notice if something seems off with a resident.

The team dynamic is close-knit. You will work alongside other aides, report to the charge nurse, and communicate with families who visit. In memory care units, redirection and engagement activities are a big part of the role — keeping residents calm, oriented, and socially active. The work is physically and emotionally demanding, but many aides describe deep bonds with the residents they care for and a sense of purpose that keeps them in the field long-term.

Houston Area Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing Assistant positions in the Houston metro area earn a median wage of $17.76/hr ($36,941/yr). The typical range is $17.00 – $21.53/hr (25th–75th percentile).

Entry Level (10th) $31,366/yr
Houston Median $36,941/yr
Experienced (90th) $46,155/yr
vs. National Median -6.6%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area). Salary data provided by Houston Senior Living Guide.

Similar Positions

Not the right fit? Try our Job Matcher quiz →

AI Job Assistant

Get instant answers about this role, salary expectations, certifications, or this employer's background.

← Browse All Jobs