Job Description

To assist Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses in the provision of patient care by performing assigned patient care and unit maintenance activities.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Certificate of completion from an accredited Nurse Aide training program.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.Basic computer knowledge using word processing, spreadsheet, email, and web browser.

• Performs Patient Care Activities as delegated by the Nurse utilizing applicable policies and procedures to ensure patient needs and expectations are met.* Knowledgeable and skilled in applicable procedures in providing care. * Provides hygiene needs of assigned patients (AM/PM care, oral hygiene and denture care, perineal care, shampoo, bathing, shaving, care of TED/SCD hose.) * Provides nutritional needs of assigned patients. (Tray distribution, setting up trays, offering supplements, feeding, adding tube feeding and recording intake.) * Provides elimination needs of assigned patient. (Foley care, bowel movements, bladder training, enemas, and external catheters; records output.) * Provides skin care of assigned patients. (turning, positioning, recognition and prevention of skin breakdown, operation of special beds, nail care, and back rubs.) * Provides comfort measures (Proper positioning, back rubs, oral care, wrinkle free bed sheets and ensuring that bedside table, water pitcher, urinal are within reach.) * Provides activity needs of assigned patients (i.e. turning, chair, ambulating, walker, and crutches). * Performs measurements of assigned patients (I&O, hemoccult, gastrocult, TPR, B/P, weights, empty drains, abdominal girth, hose measurements). * Performs additional skills as directed and supervised by the nurse, after training and certification, i.e. intermittent urinary catheterization, phlebotomy, and clean dressing changes (varies by unit or area).* Assists with admission, transfer, and discharge of patient. * Completes assigned aspects of admission process including vital signs, height and weight, room setup, room orientation, assists patient to bed, assures call light available etc. * Sets up equipment for care (IV poles, admission kit, others) * Stores and transfers belongings (dentures, hearing aids, glasses and other personal items). * Packs up all patient belongings at discharge.* Achieves patient satisfaction when providing patient care. * Makes rounds minimally every two hours to assure that patients are comfortable, positioned properly, call light available, room orderly. * Patient needs are met and satisfaction of care is expressed * Demonstrates ability to anticipate patient needs * Answers all call lights promptly * Respects privacy* Reports pertinent patient information to the nurse assigned to the patient in a timely manner.* Documentation is completed prior to leaving shift.
• Uses time, supplies, and other resources productively to promote responsive and cost effective care for our patients. Performs unit maintenance duties/errands to ensure a clean, neatly organized, efficiently operating unit* Completes care while conserving resources. * Completes work within assigned shift. * Overtime used only as requested by Director/Unit Leader/Lead RN/ Shift Coordinator. * Prevents waste of supplies and linen. * Checks patient room for unused equipment/supplies and returns to SPD promptly. * Assists with patient lifting in a timely manner.* Demonstrates ability to organize and prioritize work with changes as directed by the nurse. * Uses slow time to improve unit appearance and accept additional assignments. * Assists others in assignment completion. * Willingly responds to requests by nursing staff accepting delegated duties from the Registered Professional Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse.* Performs unit maintenance duties * Maintains neat and safe patient environment, including bedside table, bathrooms, wastebaskets, bedpans, and specipans. * Assures discontinued equipment is removed from patient rooms. * Completes assigned maintenance tasks such as: cleaning of kitchen, refrigerators, utility rooms, IV poles, carts, making charts, and distributing SPD items. * Knowledgeable of SPD exchange cart system and consistently charges out supplies used.* Performs errands as requested* Knowledgeable of locations of various support areas.* Responds promptly to urgent requests.