Nursing Assistant - FT, PT, PRN

JOB SUMMARY : The Nursing Assistant in the Med Surg / Telemetry Department is an unlicensed assistive person who assists with activities of daily living, provides basic nursing care to non-critical patients and assists in maintenance of a safe environment under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse in charge of the team and / or unit.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant certificate upon hire, preferred.
• Current BLS upon hire or within 30 days of hire.
• Possesses knowledge of medical terminology.
• Minimum six months previous experience in an acute care hospital or physician's office preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs and records routine technical tasks such as vital signs, collection of specimens, intake / output, and mass.

Assists the licensed nurse with hourly rounds on assigned patients, as appropriate, to reinforce the 4P's (Pain, Potty, Positioning, Possessions); Demonstrates working knowledge of the fall prevention program.

Assists with providing comprehensive nursing care including but not limited to : pre and post operative preparation, positioning of patients, ambulation of patients, dietary needs, activities of daily living, e.g., feeding of patients, AM and PM care, admission, discharge and transfer of patients, care of patient belongings, and other patient care duties within scope of position.

Ensures each patient / family is provided a thorough orientation to the room, bed and call light system, the routines within the patient care unit, e.g., the times of meal service, visitor hours, physician / nurse rounds, etc., and how to access the Supervising RN or Charge Nurse if needed.

Reports all unusual incidents to the appropriate person. Reports significant changes in patient's condition to supervising Registered Nurse and / or Charge Nurse.

Uses two patient identifiers consistently when performing or assisting with any procedure on a patient.

Ensures consistently that all clinical alarms are not turned off or silenced without the knowledge of the RN.

Assists with patient teaching within the scope of knowledge as directed by the licensed nurse.

Demonstrates the ability to accurately determine patient's vital signs. Charts appropriate data within the scope of the position.

Utilizes hospital equipment and supplies appropriately.

Is in compliance with information contained within the Infection Control Manual (i.e. OSHA blood borne pathogen standards, CDC Guidelines) and demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment (i.e., gloves, masks, goggles) and hand hygiene techniques.

Avoids and prevents injury to self and patients by applying the principle of body mechanics. Maintains a safe environment, functioning with an awareness and application of safety issues identified within the unit / facility. Is proactive in identifying, reporting and participating in the resolution of any potential or actual patient safety issues.

Explains all treatment and procedures thoroughly to patient before they are performed. Involves patient in care and allows patient to have choice and control over situations and environment, as appropriate to condition and situation.

Attends and maintains mandatory training in safe patient handling, trained in safe lifting techniques, includes but not limited to :

1) Appropriate use of lifting devices and equipment.

2) Five areas of body exposure : vertical, lateral, bariatric repositioning and ambulation.

3) Use of lifting devices to handle patients safely.

Communicates information related to nursing care of patients to other health care team members assigned to the patient's care, including noted changes.

Assists in maintaining patient and unit area in a clean and orderly manner.

Utilizes the National Patient Safety Goals in the work place as related to job performance. Demonstrates awareness of a safe environment for staff, patients, visitors, or any others on the unit.