Nursing Assistant Med Surg/ Telemetry

Responsibilities:

• Patient Care Responsibilities
• Provides age appropriate care for the patient population served. For example, gives consideration to growth & developmental phase of life, to age related factors such as thermal regulation, nutrition, safety and functional needs of the patient.
• Uses appropriate resources for patients with special needs such as language barriers, sensory problems, altered cognition, cultural and religious needs.
• Integrates principles of infection control & infection prevention into practice.
• Uses standard precautions and uses personal protective equipment.
• Interacts with the patient in a manner that preserves patient dignity, privacy, and meets psychosocial needs of the patient.
• Bathes patients and provides assistance with hygiene. (Includes baths, mouth care, shaves males, combs hair, and washes patient’s hair as requested.)
• Changes bed linens for occupied and unoccupied beds.
• Changes incontinent patients promptly and provides appropriate skin care.
• Empties bedpans, urinals, commodes, and assists patient to the bathroom.
• Assists patients with meals, feeds patients as needed.
• Distributes nourishments as scheduled.
• Provides fresh water at bedside as appropriate.
• Measures and records intake and output.
• Positions patients correctly, align and support torso and limbs as directed and per patient comfort.
• Transports patients via wheelchair or stretcher using safety measures appropriate for patient and vehicle.
• Uses proper body mechanics when transferring patient during ambulation and bed – chair transfers.
• Makes hourly rounds for patient safety and customer service.
• Responds to patient call lights in a timely manner.
• Obtains vital signs and weights, and records.
• Applies chest leads for patients on remote telemetry monitoring, and performs basic troubleshooting, such as replacing loose or missing electrodes.
• Collects and labels urine, stool, and sputum specimens as directed.
• Inventories patient belongings at admission, transfer and discharge.
• Provides 1:1 patient supervision in “Sitter” role for patient safety and suicide precautions.
• Uses resources and references for reviewing policies and procedures, information needed to complete job duties.
• Prioritizes and organizes work effectively within assigned shift.
• Performs procedures within the scope of the Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Communication
• Communicates patient and unit information to the RN and interdisciplinary care team in a timely manner.
• Seeks help from RN when needed.
• Informs the RN when experiencing difficulty completing an assignment.
• Receives report and clarifies information as needed.
• Informs RN when leaving the unit for any reason.
• Accepts assignments and performs as a team member.
• Introduces self to patient and explains procedures to patient and family.
• Reinforces information to patients and family such as safety precautions for falls prevention, visiting hours, etc.
• Documentation
• Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using Soarian and paper documentation forms according to policy and procedure.
• Role Development
• Develops own knowledge via practice, observation, and attending continuing education programs.
• Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care.
• Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.
• Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new employees.
• Accepts constructive feedback about performance or behaviors and shows evidence of change.
• Demonstrates verbal and writing skills that are appropriate for healthcare communication.
• Adheres to the Department of Nursing Dress Code.
• Department of Nursing and Organization Support
• Attends assigned committee meetings and contributes to the committees.
• Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.
• Supports the following organizational programs: Magnet®, Hospital of Distinction, Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification, and Nursing Councils. Performs job duties in accordance with these standards.
• Maintains attendance/lateness standards in accordance with Hospital policy.
• Departmental Support
• Maintains equipment in working order. Uses equipment appropriately, follows Department policies for equipment and supply use, cleaning and maintenance.
• Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives. For example, quality control measures, emergency equipment checks, nutrition area cleanliness, etc.
• Performs assigned duties such as unit errands, stocking supplies, returning equipment to Central Supply, answering unit phone, etc.
• Adheres to unit programs to support patient care such as maintaining a quiet environment, hourly patient rounds, customer service, etc.
• Attends staff meetings on a regular basis.
• Keeps patient care area and work environment neat and organized.

Credentials:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)
• 44504
• Certified Nurse Aid
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• 0-1 years Training and/or experience at an acute care or skilled nursing facility or student nurse with hospital based clinical experience