GNA

Job Objectives
The Geriatric Nursing Assistant, under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, is accountable for the delivery of non-acute nursing care.
     
Job Standards   
1.    Successful completion of a State of Maryland approved Geriatric Nursing Assistant program.
2.      Successful completion of the competency evaluation program required by the State of Maryland.
3.    Must be listed on the Maryland State Registry and Board of Nursing.  Registration status must be current.
4.    Able to read, write, speak and understand English and perform basic math.
5.    Adhere to departmental dress code.   
  
Job Functions: (* Connotes essential functions of the job.)   
* 1.      Provide personal hygiene including bathing, oral care, skin and nail care and hand washing.
* 2.    Complete resident grooming including hair care, shaving, dressing and weighing.
* 3.    Assist with resident toileting including bowel and bladder retraining and perineal care.
* 4.    Bed making.
* 5.    Perform and assist with resident mobility, transferring, ambulation, positioning and range of motion.
* 6.    Use appropriate and safe body mechanics techniques when lifting and/or transferring residents or supplies.
* 7.    Use aseptic technique for purpose of infection control.  This includes good hand washing techniques and infection control policies.
* 8.    Carry out Universal Precaution procedures and isolation techniques.
* 9.    Assist in orienting residents to room environment and routines upon admission and throughout stay as needed.
*10.    Document accurately all care given, including temperature, weekly weight, pulse and respiration, using the approved abbreviations and descriptive terms.
*11.    Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information and assure resident's rights & privacy are protected at all times.
*12.      Report to nurse on unit for written and verbal assignments which include daily use of care plans for assigned residents before initiating care.
*13.      Participate in the planning of resident care through shift reports and resident care staffing meetings when assigned.
*14.    Inform verbally and/or submit in writing any observations and changes in a resident for the licensed nurse to evaluate.
*15.      Serve residents their meals and motivate and assist them with intake of nourishment and fluids.
Job Functions: (* Connotes essential functions of the job.) (Continued)

*16.      Observe residents' dietary intake and report any changes to the nurse on the unit.
*17.      Answer all call signals and requests of residents immediately, whether or not you are assigned to that resident.
*18.      Encourage/assist residents in keeping their rooms clean & orderly.
*19.      Maintain nursing unit in a clean & orderly manner.
 20.      Escort residents to appointments and/or therapy departments as scheduled.
 21.    Participate in activity programs planned for residents as needed.
*22.      Attend & participate in unit nursing staff meetings, professional education programs and mandatory in-service.
*23.      Respond to resident emergency including bleeding, falls, seizures and performance of Heimlich Maneuver.
*24.      Assist with post-mortem care as assigned.
*25.      Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth and personal interest as well as calm environment throughout the facility.
*26.    Control anger.     
*27.      Spend 80% of the work shift standing and/or moving about work area.
*28.     Carry trays, position residents, take pulses and temperature and other listed equipment. 

*29. Other duties as assigned. 

     
Work Setting/Environment    
     
The Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant works inside the home where there is frequent exposure to blood, body tissue and other potentially infectious fluids.  There is some exposure to loud and unpleasant noises, dust and chemicals.  May be subject to hostile & emotionally upset residents, family members or visitors.   

Equipment Used    
      
Hydraulic lift, adjustable beds, side rails, bathing equipment, scale, laundry and food carts, telephone, intercom, water faucets, watch, thermometers, adjustable tables, wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, electric shavers, bed pan flusher, hopper sink, Geri chairs.   

Physical Requirements   
1.    Able to maintain a specified level of care for between 8-35 people (numbers of residents vary per assignment).                     
2.    The ability to physically transfer, lift, or assist residents whose average weight is 160 pounds.
3.    Able to push residents in wheelchairs with total weight of 300 pounds throughout the building.
4.    Able to walk, stoop, twist, bend and squat to perform essential job functions #1, 3, 4, 5, & 15.
5.    Able to communicate and respond clearly on the telephone.
6.    Able to discern colors on fire panel, warning labels and lights.
7.     Able to respond to resident's spoken and unspoken needs, emergency procedure instructions and to use the intercom.
8.    Able to deal with combative resident.
9.    Able to read care plans, charts, directions, labels, thermometers and assess residents.
   

 Mental Requirements   
     
1.     Able to concentrate on detail with frequent interruptions.
2.      Able to follow, complete and remember daily requirements and routines over the eight-hour shift or longer.
3.      Able to remember and enact emergency procedures.
4.      Able to understand concepts of Geriatric Care
5.      Able to comprehend, and utilize professional education materials.
6.      Able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
7.    Able to cope with the mental & emotional stress of the position.
     
Hours of Work:  
           
Schedule consists of 7.5 hour shifts to include every other weekend.  May be requested to stay beyond scheduled shift in an emergency.
 
Refer to attached “Major Duties and Responsibilities” for annual evaluation.
    
Employee Responsibility in an Emergency:  
     
Able to respond to fire system and follow emergency procedures.  All employees need to respond to emergency situations immediately and capably for the safety of residents and staff.