Co-op Nursing Assistant

PATIENT / CUSTOMER

• Assessment: Receives written/verbal report at the beginning of each shift from the registered nurse (RN) regarding the care that is to be delivered to the assigned group of patients, or for patient needing constant observation. Gives report when leaving unit, and at the completion of the shift regarding the care that was delivered. Identifies the patient per hospital policy before carrying out functions. Assists with data collection for nursing history and physical. Participates in therapeutic communication. Includes available auxiliary information i.e., physician, lab, x-ray. Provides information to the registered nurse for coordination of care and discharge planning including both the patient and family. Observes skin changes and reports discoloration, abrasions, infestations or skin breakdown.
• Planning: Participates with patient/family and the healthcare team in decisions related to the care plan of the patient. Assists in setting mutually agreed upon realistic individual patient goals. Receives report form the RN on the patient’s plan of care. Gives RN report before the end of the shift regarding patient care issues.
• Intervention: Promotes infection control. Follows standard precautions and any other isolation precautions as dictated by the patient’s condition. Maintains a safe environment and protects the patient from injury. Supports the observer in one to one/constant observation situation. Applies and monitors patient restraints per policy. Observes or monitors behavior/health state and responses to therapy.
• Temperature, Pulse, Respiration Blood Pressure Neurological Checks Vascular Checks Pain Assessment/Level of Sedation Height and Weight Intake and Output Communicates pertinent observations to appropriate members of the health care team. Participates in multidisciplinary rounds on the patient care unit. Participates in staff meetings. Works in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team. Reports findings to nurse concerning the patient and or family which may impact patient care.
• Bed bath, tub bath, shower. Participates in the prevention and treatment of skin breakdown. Assists patient with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, eating, feeding, range of motion, ambulating, transferring. Applies current accepted methods of heat and cold therapy. Provides for the patient’s oral dietary needs using currently accepted methods. Provides for the elimination needs by giving a bed pan, urinal or implementing the bowel program under the direction of the nurse. Inserts urinary catheter under direct supervision of the RN. Removes urinary catheter. Assists with colostomy irrigations. Assists with vaginal irrigations. Applies urosheath/condom catheter. Administers cleansing enemas as ordered. Assists with suctioning under direct supervision of RN. Performs post mortem care. Assists the physician to perform physical exams. Assists with oxygen therapy only and does not regulate the flow of oxygen. Encourage the use of the pulmonary toilet by using the incentive spirometer, coughing, turning and deep breathing. Assists with Hoyer/ceiling lifts. Reinforces health care instruction to patients according to the directions of the nurse. Displays competence in using the following equipment: Pulse oximeter Bladder scanner 12 Lead ECG Data Scope Electric Fetal Monitor (as applicable) Glucometer.

PATIENT / EMPLOYEE SAFETY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Non-Patient Care: Participates in Entity and Department wide initiatives for Patient /Employee safety. Demonstrates an awareness of patient/employee safety when carrying out daily responsibilities of their position.
• Patient Care Providers: Participates in Entity and Department wide initiatives for Patient/Employee safety. Demonstrates an awareness of patient/employee safety when carrying out daily responsibilities of their position.
• Validation of annual competencies required for the position. Identifies the patient per policy i.e. uses two unique identifiers. Aware of the Safe Medical Devise Act. Aware of the Material Safety Data Sheet. Carries out fire and safety regulation. Identifies where the oxygen safety valve is located. Makes occupied or unoccupied bed. Cleans and restocks equipment as needed. Observes radiation precautions. Demonstrates proper body mechanics when moving and lifting. Alerts the nurse to the sounding of alarms. Does not change settings or rates on equipment. Observes HIPAA regulations. Knows limits of responsibilities and seeks guidance as appropriate. Observes chemotherapy precautions. Identifies emergency equipment on the unit.