Nursing Assistant at Westchester Medical Center – Kingston, New York

Job Summary

• To provide assistance to the nursing staff to maximize care to the patient and families.

Responsibilities

• Documents information on patient records/computer consistent with policies to include vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration), pulse oximetry, I & O, weights, heights, etc. and point of care testing (glucometer results, etc.), removal of Foley Catheters. Review Intervention List with the Primary RN to ensure awareness of pertinent patient needs and plans for the day.
• Provides daily physical and emotional care to patients; Provides close observation when patients requires sitters. Will be responsible for completing all procedures within scope of practice and according to current standards, guidelines and policies. Documents information gathered in patient records/computer consistent with policies.
• Will be responsible for the following procedures: Follows plan of care after nursing assessment. Non-sterile dressing change; emptying of post-op drainage devices (additional to Foley bags); set up oxygen and suction equipment; applies pulse ox; performs EKGs and applies telemetry.
• Participates in Unit and Team huddles. Interacts professionally with physicians and coworkers and maintains effective communication and good working relationships. Demonstrates cooperation with the shift supervisors and recognizes the chain of command. Demonstrates independent thinking. Assists licensed personnel as directed.
• Keeps work environment neat and tidy. Responsible for making sure equipment needing repair is sent to BioMed. Maintains stock, orders supplies when necessary. Responsible for monitoring work environment for DNV Compliance R/T Environment of Care as per hospital policies and procedures.
• Weights: standing and bed scale; nutrition: setting up patient and feeding patient; specimen collection; stool, sputum, urine - clean catch and 24 hour; Foley catheter care and emptying Foley bag; apply external catheter; ice bag/pack; sitz bath; patient restraints.
• Application of Flow-tron device; application of Teds stockings; use of special equipment; cooling and warming devices, lifting and transporting devices (including maxi slide, Hoyer lift, etc.) traction set up and removal and storage of traction equipment.
• Knowledge of location of other departments to assist with procurement of necessary equipment/supplies; conveys communication between Ancillary Departments and Nursing floors, understands isolation/standard precautions; answering of call lights; verbalizes knowledge of emergency situations; code blue, etc. Discharge of patients - transport.
• Ability to observe and report necessary information/changes to nurse: physical limitations, cultural needs, age specific needs, emotional needs, pain needs, IV needs. Assist in emergency situations (i.e., chest compressions, RRT codes, code blue, helping lift patient after fall, patients who require 1:1 sitter, etc.)
• Recognizes chain of command; i.e, Clinical Leader and off-shift supervisors; demonstrates independent thinking; understanding of and compliance with patient confidentiality; blood, etc. post mortem.
• Ensures accurate identification of all patients at all times. Protects patient's privacy; closely observes patient with minimal disturbance.
• Understands and complies with isolation/standard precautions. Practices and performs proper hand washing techniques on a routine basis and uses gloves when having patient contact.
• Actively participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
• Serves as a preceptor and mentor for Nursing Assistant I's and Nursing Assistant II's.
• Sets up procedures and performs assisting duties for individual performing procedure within scope of practice.
• Performs phlebotomy as directed by R.N. (ED only).
• Competent as a surgical scrub tech (O.B. only).
• Exhibits competency and demonstrates knowledge in handling unit specific equipment.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• EXPERIENCE
  • 1 year experience working as a nursing assistant, preferred
• 
  EDUCATION
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent, required
• 
  LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • BLS, preferred
  • CNA Certification, preferred