Nursing Care Assistant I - Med Surg

At Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital in Mooresville, North Carolina, we offer a compassionate care environment that changes lives. As the smallest of Duke Health’s four hospitals (123 beds), we provide a comprehensive range of services, including 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s services, and surgical specialties.

About Duke Nursing

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization.
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized as North Carolina’s Great 100 Nurses.
• Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy.
• Over 6,000 registered nurses are part of our team.

Quality of Life

Relocation assistance is available based on eligibility. This position offers a commitment bonus of $5,000 or higher, depending on experience, if eligible.

About the Role

The Nursing Assistant (NA) is a patient care support partner who works under the delegation of the Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The NA provides direct patient care and assists with non-direct patient care unit coordination. This role involves performing basic care and comfort tasks, understanding patient population needs, and assisting with the care of acutely ill patients. The NA practices medical asepsis, respects patient dignity and privacy, and adheres to all policies and procedures while responding appropriately in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients, equipment, and supplies for specific procedures and provide manual assistance as required.
• Obtain and record patient data for medical records, noting and informing the RN/LPN of collected information.
• Administer treatment and personal care procedures, including feeding, bathing, hair care, changing clothing, nail care, bed-making, assisting with ambulation, enemas, skin care, and bowel and bladder elimination.
• Participate in teaching activities by reinforcing instructions provided by the RN and/or providers.
• Assist providers and nurses with physical examinations by helping position patients, changing non-sterile dressings, and weighing patients.
• Take and record vital signs, record intake and output (I&O), and apply ice bags; note and report any changes in patient condition.
• Turn and position patients, set up and feed patients as necessary, and provide fresh drinking water.
• Perform finger sticks for blood glucose testing (with appropriate training), document results, and notify the RN/LPN.
• Assist with admission, discharge, and transportation of patients.
• Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.
• Collect, deliver, and conduct routine tests on patient specimens.
• Maintain the patient/family environment, perform general unit upkeep, order and maintain equipment, and restock supplies.
• Participate in professional development by maintaining required skills and attending educational offerings.
• Support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• Perform clean dressing changes for wounds over 48 hours old.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients.
• Working knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene, and basic health and safety precautions applicable to hospital work.
• Working knowledge of the organization and physical layout of the hospital.
• Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions.
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking; this position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing throughout the day.
• Ability to frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 35 pounds with assistance or appropriate lift equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and hospital staff.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of providing non-professional bedside patient care.
• Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing may be required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Level I - Nurse Aide education program approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing or successful completion of the NC-approved Nurse Aide I competency test.
• High School diploma or equivalent required for NA II.
• Currently listed as a Nursing Assistant I (NA I) with the Division of Facility Services with no substantiated findings of abuse, fraud, neglect, or misappropriation of property.
• BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification must be maintained/completed by the end of new hire orientation (typically during the first week of employment).