Job Summary

Performs designated basic patient care and related nursing tasks to provide optimal/quality care consistent with Hospital mission and Nursing philosophy, goals, standards, and bylaws. Assists the Licensed Nurse in the implementation of nursing care in predictable, uncomplicated, and stable patient situations as directed.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED General Studies Required*
• Successful completion of a North Carolina Board of Nursing Aide I approved training program/competency evaluation required.

Certifications, Licensures and Registrations

• Nurse Aide I Registration Division of Facility Services Nurse Aide I Registry Required
• BLS required per policy guidelines

Experience

• No prior experience required.

Job Specific Duties

• Patient Observation: Observes and reports the patient's general appearance/behavior/response to basic care, procedures, and treatments. Observes characteristics of patient's urine, stool, and drainage and reports abnormalities/changes. Observes patient receiving intravenous therapy and reports to nurse immediately any disruptions/disconnections/swelling and patient complaints of pain/discomfort at site. Observes and reports skin abnormalities and provides appropriate therapeutic measures. Observes patient care equipment for proper functioning and reports any malfunctions to the Licensed Nurse. Reports to the licensed nurse any abnormal vital signs and changes in patient behavior.
• Patient Information & Documentation: Obtains and documents patient temperature, pulse, respirations, heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry as required on admission and throughout hospitalization. Obtains and documents patient heights/weights as required on admission and throughout hospitalization. Measures and documents patient's fluid intake/output accurately. Checks/records patient's diet/activity
• level/observations/ treatments/nursing care plan on worksheet and gathers all needed equipment in organizing/beginning patient care. Collects urine/stool/sputum specimens as directed by the Licensed Nurse.
• Patient Care: Maintains patient care environment in a safe and organized manner with necessities within reach. Sets priorities in patient care/delegated treatments and consults nurse when changes occur or assistance is needed. Assists patient with elimination activities (bedpan, urinal, bedside commode, bathroom, bladder/bowel training) as condition indicates/directed by the nurse. Provides hygiene for the incontinent patient. Performs hygienic/comfort measures (complete/partial/tub/sitz bath, occupied/unoccupied bed, back rub, mouth/hair/ skin/nail care, denture care, changing gown, HS care). Performs and documents therapeutic measures (enemas, perineal/catheter care, unsterile heat/cold application, elastic/ therapeutic stockings, glucometers). Checks, turns, and repositions the bedfast/incontinent patient every two hours. Provides 1:1 monitoring of patients as directed.
• Patient Dietary Assistance: Prepares patient for meals and assists or feeds patient and documents percentage eaten on Patient Care Profile. Maintains fresh water and distributes juices/nourishments/ dietary supplies as directed/requested by patient. Forces or restricts fluids as ordered/directed.
• Patient Transfer/Discharge: Assists in the admission/transfer/discharge process and safe management of personal belongings. Assists patient in ambulation, transfer to chair/stretcher/ commode and uses lifts as needed.
• Patient Environment: Maintains unit and patient care environment in a clean and neat manner by emptying linen hampers, trash receptacles and cleaning the refrigerator as directed by the Licensed Nurse. Changes linens for occupied/unoccupied beds and maintains clean, dry, wrinkle-free linens according to patient needs. Obtains and/or returns supplies (i.e., blood, medications, etc.) and equipment as requested.
• Call Lights: Answers call lights.
• Teamwork& Support: Assists in the standard pre-operative/post-operative care procedures as directed by the Licensed Nurse. Performs surgical/orthopedic skin preps and surgical scrubs as needed. Performs post-mortem care as needed. Demonstrates initiative in seeking out patient care/unit maintenance tasks/assisting co-workers. Completes unit assignments on patient assignment sheet as indicated by Charge Nurse/Unit Coordinator. Reports to oncoming Nursing Assistant regarding work completed and work to be done.
• Customer Focus: Ensures excellent customer service to patients including excellent communication, treating them in a caring manner, being timely regarding treatment and being professional in their care. Promotes department to physicians, hospital and community in a positive manner at all times
• Meetings & Updates: Promotes a positive work environment with co-workers and other customers. Attends/participates in a minimum of 75% of unit staff meetings. Attends a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education programs (100% completion of mandatory programs).Reviews memos/communication book/bulletin boards/ minutes of staff meetings to maintain current knowledge of hospital communications.
• Professionalism: Upholds a professional working relationship at all times and adheres to department rules. Practices teamwork.
• Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned by management

Physical and Behavioral Requirements

Physical requirements include:

• Lifting 40 pounds from floor to waist,
• Lifting 15 pounds from waist to crown,
• Lifting or carrying 55 pounds horizontally for 2 feet,
• Pushing 80 pounds,
• Pulling 100 pounds,
• Front carrying 25 pounds a distance of 150 feet,
• Gripping 50 pounds with each hand,
• Forward bending in standing for 5 minutes,
• Rotation in standing,
• Repetitive squatting,
• Standing for 5 minutes, and
• Walking frequently.
• Visual acuity required for accurately reading and documenting patient charts and observing patients.
• Sense of smell required for safety issues.
• Sense of touch is required to evaluate patient’s vital signs.
• Ability to speak and hear is required to effectively communicate with patients, family members, physicians, and staff.
• Manual finger dexterity for writing, equipment operation (maneuvering wheelchairs/beds), and positioning and moving patients.
• Ability to effectively manage a high stress environment resulting from patient volume.