Primary Function

Under supervision, the incumbent is responsible for a variety of nursing assistant duties established by the Nurse Supervisor. Under supervision, he/she is responsible for following the plan of care established by the nurse assessing the patient. The Nursing Assistant assists in performing and providing nursing care, duties, and tasks for patients of all ages.

Job Description

Recognizes and reports to the registered nurse or medical provider abnormal findings related to vital signs, clinical signs and symptoms, and laboratory findings.

Implements nursing care including, but not limited to:

• Takes and records vital signs and reports deviations to the registered nurse.
• Assists patients with daily living activities, i.e., bathing, oral hygiene, changing bed linen, feeding, etc.
• Collects specimens (urine, stool, and sputum).
• Completes finger stick glucose monitoring.
• Monitors intake and output, including monitoring IVs.
• Documents vital signs and other medical data to the appropriate record.
• Initiates appropriate resuscitative measures in an emergency.
• Operates a variety of specialized medical equipment, such as suction pumps, oxygen equipment, automatic BP cuffs, and oxygen saturation units, etc. Recognizes malfunctioning and unsafe equipment and initiates corrective action.
• Initiates appropriate action when safety measures are required to protect patients.
• Maintains a safe environment through the practice of Universal Precautions and Body Substance Isolation, medical waste/chemical management and containment. Isolates infected patients. Cleans patient contact areas and equipment according to policies and OSHA regulations.
• Promotes patient advocacy and confidentiality.
• Directly observes and evaluates patient care.
• Participates in ongoing nursing quality assurance program.
• The Nursing Assistant will function in the nursing department under the supervision of the Director, Division of Nursing or his/her designee to insure patient care is provided in a safe and efficient quality manner.
• May be required to rotate between nursing departments including outpatient, inpatient, and between shifts. Demonstrates the ability to establish good interpersonal working relationships with patients and staff.
• Assists with and makes recommendations about supplies and equipment needs. Maintains clean, neat, and safe work environment.
• Demonstrates ability and willingness to adapt to special circumstances, such as, staffing shortages, patient emergencies, fluctuations in census, and disasters.
• Participates in cross training of services within the nursing department. The Administrator of Nursing or his/her designee will schedule cross training.
• The Er Nurse Manager, Team Leader or his/her designee makes assigned duties.
• The Nursing Assistant provides nursing care according to established procedures; under the supervision of the ER Nurse Manager or Team Leader. This is done under the supervision of the Director, Division of Nursing or his/her designee. The work is evaluated for technical soundness and adherence to professional standards.

Job Knowledge

• Knowledge and skill to perform basic clinical nursing care to acutely ill patients and assist patients in their daily living activities.
• Knowledge and skill to assist the care provider in treatment and examinations performed in the ER setting.
• A practical knowledge of performing prescribed treatment plans such as dressing changes or soaks.
• Knowledge of proper handling and collection of specimens, performing vital signs and recognizing abnormal values.
• Basic knowledge of diseases and illnesses and the ability to recognize and report changes in the patient's condition to the registered nurse.

• A practical knowledge of the medical facility's organization and services, the basic rules and regulations governing visitors and patient treatment, and practical knowledge of standard procedures, medical records, and medical terminology.
• A basic knowledge of diseases, medical and surgical procedures, as well as standard abbreviations used by the medical staff.
• A thorough knowledge of recording and documenting medical information.
• Knowledge and skills in operating specialized medical equipment, such as suction pumps, oxygen equipment, etc.
• Applicant must have a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Education/Experience

• High school graduate or GED,
• Successfully completed an accredited program in Nursing Assistant,
• Certified as a Nursing Assistant (CNA),
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS), or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be substituted, is required of the position. Can be acquired through the facility following appointment to position.
• Preference given to applicants who have specialized training in CNA.
• No experience required of position, will provide training.
• Proficiency rated at 6 weeks.

Contacts with Others

Contacts are with patients, families, hospital personnel, and community agencies. Contacts with patients and families are to provide and assist with care. With hospital personnel and community agencies, contacts are to exchange information for the purpose of coordinating patient care activities. The Nursing Assistant is assigned duties based upon the diagnosis of the patient, his/her condition, and special circumstances related to his/her needs.

Confidential Data

The incumbent has access to highly confidential patient medical and personal information. The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the incumbent shall maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical and personnel records and all other pertinent information that comes to the individual's attention or knowledge. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of records. Violation of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse actions.

Responsibility for Accuracy

The incumbent is responsible for accuracy of work performed. The Team Leader, supervising registered nurse, or immediate supervisor reviews work for accuracy and determines steps to prevent errors from reoccurring. The Nursing Assistant will follow the plan of care established by the registered nurse according to individual patient needs and established hospital policies and procedures. The purpose of the work is to provide patient care that contributes to completion of the prescribed plan of care and discharge of the patient. The work affects the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of the patients and their families. Completion of duties affects the attitude of patients and efficiency with which the hospital provides service and therefore could have a negative effect on patient outcomes.

Guidelines consist of nursing and medical policy and procedures, standing orders, standards of care, and hospital and agency policies. Must, also, comply with FPM, MRS, PHS, IHS, and State regulations. The employee determines the order and sequence of care provided to the patient based on the patient's condition and priorities of need.

Mental/ Visual/ Physical Effort

Work in the various services within the nursing department requires considerable walking, standing, bending, pushing, and lifting in helping patients to and from beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers. These same activities are required in moving equipment and medical supplies. May be responsible for lifting over 15 pounds.

Resourcefulness and Initiative

The Nursing Assistant works under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Environment

The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, irritant chemicals and explosive gases.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.