Acute Care Nursing Assistant

About the role

This position is utilized on the inpatient units and in the Escort Department of the medical center.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with patient admissions - discharges - transfers - errand duties - and delivery of medical supplies/equipment when needed.
• Assists in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital - long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Serves as a preceptor to new Nursing Assistants by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting.
• Supports diagnostic and technical treatment procedures - such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.
• Cares for mentally ill patients - including observing - recording - and reporting changes in their behavior - and providing reassurance and encouragement.
• Assists surgeons and registered nurses in operating room activities - including passing instruments - maintaining sterile conditions - and draping and positioning patients.
• Provides Foley catheter and peritoneal care.
• Communicates all care with patients - giving special attention to details of care since patients may be too ill to provide care.
• Observes patient for changes in condition - such as color - respirations - drainage - level of consciousness - etc. - and reports changes to Registered Nurse assigned to care and/or Charge Nurse.
• Aids patient with bedpan and urinal.
• Provides 1:1 observation for patients at risk for suicide or harm per policy/procedure.
• Keeps bedside and patient room neat and uncluttered.
• Promotes a sense of worth and dignity to the patient by addressing him/her properly (Mr./Mrs.) and in a courteous manner.
• Documents on flow sheets and in CPRS with clear description of observations and actions performed and patient responses.
• Adjusts to changes in work assignment in a professional and pleasant manner.
• Properly collects specimens and assures proper labeling and security of lids and bagging in biohazard bag before sending for processing.
• Ensures the responsible person is aware of patient's and/or specimen arrival before leaving the unit.
• Assures patients arrive at designated areas for tests and/or treatments on time.
• Takes care of patient's non-routine care and comfort needs.
• Provides careful observation to ensure that intravenous fluids - oxygen - nasogastric - urinary and/or other drainage tubing or chest tubes remain intact.
• Reports any problems to the Registered Nurse and/or Charge Nurse.
• Reports and records significant data on proper forms - and in CPRS accurately and completely.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of health care personnel - patients - visitors - families - etc. in person and via telephone - using proper terminology and speaking in a professional manner.
• Participates in hourly rounds - ensures the patient environment is safe from clutter - bedside table and essential items are within reach - call light is within reach - offers and assists with toileting and positioning needs to prevent falls.
• Manages telemetry boxes and leads per established policy and procedure.
• Secures patients properly in wheelchairs and/or stretchers for safe - comfortable transport.
• Uses sound body mechanics and safe patient handling equipment.
• Affords assistance to the patient in the use of assistive devices as indicated and recognizes patient's post-operative and post-procedural needs.
• Utilizes glucometer to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned patients.

Qualifications

• Experience and Education: One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge - skills - and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment.
• Education: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated KSAs: Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital - long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents - families - interdisciplinary team and other personnel. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance.