CNA - Inpatient FT Day Shift

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Under the supervision of the ER/Inpatient Manager, and direction of the Charge Nurse and Registered Nurses of the unit, performs various direct patient care activities.  Assists patients, across the age continuum, with activities of daily living, providing basic nursing care and assists in the maintenance of a safe and clean environment.   Collects non-invasive body fluid specimens and gathers vital signs, but does not start or administer intravenous fluids.  Aids physicians and nursing staff members with procedures if needed.  Documents patient interactions as needed and demonstrates the ability to provide clerical support and receptionist duties to enhance delivery of patient care. 

Projects a professional demeanor and appearance while maintaining the confidentiality of patients, coworkers, and facility information and adhering to the HIPAA policy.  Reports, in good faith, any known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws, rules, regulations or the SP Code of Conduct.  Fulfills annual continuing education requirements.

Personal attributes include the ability to be self-directed; demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and receptiveness to change; seeks guidance, direction, and assistance when needed.  Works under stress and in situations that demand patience, stamina, endurance, and tact while providing impeccable service.  Fosters an attitude of teamwork and willingness to assist others and does not refuse performing other job duties as requested.  Set's priorities, responds timely to issues, which require a decision, and ensure desired results are achieved by means of consistent follow through.

Patient Population:

 The patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 12 years and/or of adult stature to geriatric patients requiring or seeking pain and/or surgical intervention.

Physical Requirements:

 May be expected to lift up to 50 pounds or up to 150 pounds with assistance.  May be expected to push or pull 150-300 pounds with assistance.  Work is of medium demand; walking or standing most of the time while on duty.  Visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity essential to performing designated duties required.  Optimal auditory acuity required.  Manual dexterity involving the handling of equipment and instruments or armamentarium is essential to performing assigned duties.  Physical conditions are clean, neat and well lit.  May be subjected to unpleasant sights and odors, stressful situations and hazardous or infectious agents where judgment as to precautions needed to be taken is essential.  Climate control and ambient temperature variances may be experienced and required by patient care. 

OSHA Exposure Classification:

 Job Category I.  Direct contact with blood or other body fluids to which standard precautions apply.  Personal protective equipment is made available and must be worn.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
• High School Graduate or equivalent preferred
• Certification as a Medical Assistant 
• BLS prerequisite
• 6 months - 1 year of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures with a particular field.
• Knowledge of state, federal and accrediting body regulations and standards related to healthcare.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English, with additional languages preferred.
• Ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for his/her own professional advancement and that of others.
• Must be computer literate with basic fundamental computer skills that are required to perform essential job related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

PEOPLE

1. Presents self to patients/customers with appropriate attitude and appearance. Maintains working environment in a clean, safe, orderly manner.
2. Respects patient/customer privacy. Actively listens to patients/customers.  Acts in a courteous, friendly and helpful manner.
3. Follows facility standards concerning the answering of telephones and follow-up of telephone requests.
4. Provides appropriate and timely information to patients/customers.
5. Identifies and responds to patient/customer needs according to facility standards. Anticipates needs where possible.
6. Provides service to patients/customers according to facility standards. Keeps patients/customers informed or work progress.  Promotes/provides comfort while waiting.
7. Takes ownership of the situation and corrects the problem. Strives to promote customer satisfaction and follow through with the situation to correct the problem. 

SERVICE

1. Provides effective patient care across the age continuum under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
2. Cleans utility rooms, cleans equipment as needed, reports equipment that is out of order. Appropriately orders and handles supplies on the unit when assigned.
3. Assists in admission, transfer and discharge of patients in a safe manner.
4. Orders and/or notifies Charge Nurse of the appropriate supply needs.
5. Makes copies of needed forms as necessary.
6. Checks to ensure rooms are stocked with the necessary supplies and assists with cleaning and maintaining patient rooms.

QUALITY

1. Collects and records Vital Signs, I&Os and Accu-Checks in an efficient, accurate and timely fashion. May perform phlebotomy, processing and preparation of laboratory specimens.  May administer EKGs and send to appropriate place for reading.
2. Reports any variation from normal values immediately to the Registered Nurse responsible for that specific patient for continuum of care.
3. Medical and surgical asepsis is carried out during treatments and special procedures.
4. Follows standard/isolation precautions and safe practices in handling of biohazardous material. Appropriately handles clean and dirty linen. 
5. Responds timely to issues that require a decision.
6. Sets priorities, evaluates the quality of his/her work.
7. Looks for new approaches to problems and is able to adapt to new procedures and methods.

FINANCE

1. Conserves resources and minimizes cost when possible.
2. Participates and assists with implementation of cost saving initiatives for the department.
3. Communicates ideas for cost containment and reducing expense.
4. Medical record documentation should be completed accurately for all cases.

GROWTH

1. Through competency and customer service, employee will contribute to the growth of the facility.
2. Attends training seminars, staff meetings and reads all monthly staff meeting minutes.
3. Employee engages in customer service conversations with physicians, staff, vendors, patients and family members.
4. Fulfills annual continuing education requirements.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of disease entities.