The Advanced Skilled Technician is responsible for providing advanced supportive services as directed by the Directing RN, Manager, or designee.

Essential Functions:

• Performs the following or similar patient-care tasks in accordance with the plan of care developed by the RN:
  • Temperature, pulse and respiration;
  • Sponge, tub, shower and/or bed baths; shampoo in sink, tub, shower and/or bed;
  • Oral hygiene, nail and skin care, back rubs; assist with use of bedpan or urinal;
  • Making an occupied bed;
  • Range of motion exercises, positioning, transferring, ambulating;
  • Performance of simple procedures as an extension of nursing services;
  • Assistance with ambulation or exercise;
  • Assistance with medications that are ordinarily self-administered, as set up by the caregiver/family;
  • Setting up meals, assistance with feeding in accordance with facility policies (when applicable);
  • Assists patients with light household services essential to health care at home, such as preparing light meals, washing dishes, dusting furniture, etc.
  • Maintains a safe environment and observes appropriate infection control precautions.
• Provides care technologies consistent with training provided in an advanced unlicensed assistive personnel training program, which may include:
  • Obtains blood pressure and records results;
  • Performs blood sugar level test using blood glucose meter and records results;
  • Collects clinical specimens as directed and delivers to lab;
  • Performs prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) test using PT/INR meter and records results;
  • Reviews medication in the home for accuracy with Medication Plan of Care List;
  • Performs stage I & II wound care;
  • Performs dressing changes as directed by Directing RN;
  • Performs ostomy care:  changes appliance and assists patients and caregivers with ostomy care and management;
  • Performs shallow suctioning;
  • Observe tube feed pump for accuracy in flow rate. Report any issues to Directing RN;
  • Inserts straight and/or indwelling catheters.  Performs catheter care, including flushing of Foley;
  • Replaces suprapubic catheter;
  • Administers enemas;
  • Administers rectal/vaginal suppositories;
  • Applies medicated ointments/creams;
  • Performs Paracentesis/pneumocentesis drainage.
• May utilize the following equipment:
  • Nebulizer
  • Intravenous (IV) Infusion Pump – observes settings
  • Oxygen tank / concentrator
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) /bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation (BPAP)
  • Mechanical/electrical bed, observes settings
  • Feeding pump set
  • Mechanical/electrical Hoyer lift
  • Oral or gastric decompression suction
• Assists in maintaining or improving the patient’s independent functioning as patient condition allows.
• Reinforces the patient’s proper use of assistive devices.
• Informs the Directing Registered Nurse, Manager (or designee) of changes in the patient’s condition, needs or patient/family issues.
• Interacts and communicates with patients, caregivers, interdisciplinary team (IDT) team members, volunteers, and external customers.
• Documents patient care following established eShift Program and NorthStar Care Community standards of documentation requirements.
• Communicates complete and accurate information to team disciplines in a timely manner.
• Acts as a resource for staff members, and orients new staff as needed.
• Works collaboratively and actively participates in team functions and meetings.
• Completes a minimum of twelve (12) hours of in-service education and training programs annually, to comply with the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987. In addition, completes comprehensive training program by NorthStar Institute.
• Utilizes allocated supplies and resources appropriately to ensure business outcomes are met.
• Adjusts to changes in workload and schedules based on changing departmental organizational priorities.
• Participates in internal and external education, training, in-services, quality improvement initiatives, meetings, team functions and other activities to promote personal and professional growth.
• Adheres to organizational Code of Conduct, policies, procedures, protocols and processes and all regulatory and legal requirements.
• Adheres the NorthStar standards to care for every person, every time, 100% of the time.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Current CNA certification required.
• One (1) or two (2) years’ experience as a home health/hospice aide or nurse aide required.
• Completion of a home health/hospice aide training and competency-evaluation program or an in- house competency-evaluation program.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and be able to effectively communicate in internal and external relationships for all essential job functions.
• Ability to use technology (hardware and software) required of clinicians in their practice.
• Must demonstrate the ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, be a team player, have sound judgment; effective organizational, communication, prioritization and follow-through skills; attention to detail; accuracy; dependability; tact; and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Must be able to cope with family/caregiver emotional stress, cultural diversity and be tolerant of individual lifestyles.
• Proof of current tuberculin testing required. Patient contact will not be allowed until tuberculin clearance is documented.
• The physical demands of the position include: vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; traveling; driving or riding in motor vehicle; standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching; lifting up to forty five (45) pounds unassisted and the ability to assist in lifting patients using appropriate lifting techniques and/or devices.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.