Nursing Care Assistant - Orthopedic Medical

Nursing Care Assistant1070 4 North- Orthopedic Medical

Schedule: Day Shift. 36 hours weekly. 6:00a-6:15p.

Type additional details specific to position and/or department.

About the Position

Following successful completion of clinical lab check offs of an accredited RN or PN program and under the supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Student Nurse Tech is responsible to provide daily services involving basic care for patients, as well as other assigned unit duties. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served. Patient care activities are limited to those listed within this position description.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Uses computer and software programs with proficiency.
• Utilizes accurate medical terminology in all communications.
• Follows Code Procedures as outlined.
• Properly operates unit communication equipment.
• Calls staff as directed to ensure smooth operations.
• Transports patients as needed to support care.
• Initiates and maintains records and reports to ensure proper documentation.
• Organizes and maintains medical records in accordance with universal chart order, thins charts, and prepares discharged medical records for timely pickup.
• Initiates work orders to address maintenance or operational needs.
• Posts reports on charts to ensure proper documentation and communication.
• Adheres strictly to Infection Control Policy, with a specific emphasis on hand hygiene.
• Coordinates care with other disciplines to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Uses appropriate resources such as Charge Nurse, Unit Manager, Directors, Administrative Coordinator, Pharmacy, etc., to support patient care needs.
• Demonstrates good time management by avoiding unjustified overtime.
• Informs supervisor when hours worked may accrue overtime or incidental overtime.
• Complies with the attendance policy to ensure adequate staffing.
• Offers assistance to the team to maintain unit productivity and support smooth operations.
• Collaborates with team and management to develop cost-effective solutions and improve workflow processes.
• Participates in team huddles and check-backs to proactively manage changes and ensure alignment with goals.
• Ensures documentation is accurate, precise, and thorough, meeting department and regulatory standards, including date/time and signature on all medical record entries.
• Maintains up-to-date documentation, charting in “real time” to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensures documentation is legible, grammatically correct, and appropriately punctuated.
• Uses only hospital-approved abbreviations in documentation.
• Documents observational and purposeful rounding to ensure patient care quality.
• Demonstrates competence in utilizing all EHR and resource systems to maintain efficient workflows.
• Remains accountable for maintaining the privacy of medical records and patient information.
• Works to resolve team conflicts in a professional manner, offering assistance to others as needed.
• Accepts team direction and collaborates effectively with colleagues.
• Remains open to constructive feedback for continuous personal and professional development.
• Remains flexible with alterations in work assignments to adapt to changing needs.
• Actively supports unit goals, strategic plans, and participates in hospital initiatives to enhance overall performance.
• Responds to unit needs by adjusting schedules and covering shift shortages as necessary.
• Proactively looks for ways to reduce stress for self and team to maintain a positive working environment.
• Builds trust with customers by introducing self, actively listening, displaying positive body language, explaining procedures, and providing frequent updates.
• Anticipates the needs of customers, responding to questions, concerns, and requests in a timely manner.
• Performs observational and purposeful rounding to ensure patient care and satisfaction.
• Utilizes communication boards in patient rooms to enhance communication and patient experience.
• Promotes a healing and supportive environment to encourage patient well-being.
• Communicates constructively and professionally in all interactions to foster collaboration and respect.
• Upholds Relationship-Based Care (RBC) principles to strengthen patient relationships and support care delivery.
• Accommodates the cultural, spiritual, and emotional needs of customers to provide holistic care.
• Obtains and records vital signs and other necessary measurements to monitor patient condition.
• Completes baths, skin care, and personal hygiene (ADLs), including backrubs, to support patient comfort and well-being.
• Ensures fluids and foods are available, assists with feeding activities, and records patient intake and output.
• Assists with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges to ensure smooth transitions.
• Sets up rooms for admission, including isolation rooms, to ensure readiness for patient arrival.
• Promptly responds to patient care needs, requests, and call lights to maintain patient satisfaction.
• Applies ice packs, restraints, and binders as required for patient care.
• Obtains specimen collection as directed and empties appropriate drainage devices to support patient care.
• Performs post-mortem care in accordance with hospital protocols.
• Performs urinary catheter care to ensure patient comfort and hygiene.
• Assembles equipment and supplies in preparation for various diagnostic or treatment procedures performed by physicians or nurses.
• Reports information and observations promptly to the appropriate nurse for follow-up.
• Shares responsibility for preparation, proper use, and care of equipment and supplies, maintaining the neatness and cleanliness of the unit.
• Empties linen hampers to maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the unit.
• Assists patients with bedpans and urinals as part of daily care duties.
• Performs shave preps using clippers to ensure patient grooming and comfort.
• Volunteers and actively participates in Unit Practice Councils, unit/department meetings, unit updates, Kaizens, or other committees as assigned, offering constructive feedback.
• Provides best-practice care by following hospital standards of care, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Removes Foley catheters in accordance with hospital guidelines and patient needs.
• Discontinues peripheral IVs as part of patient care.
• Performs subsequent dressing changes after the initial dressing change by an RN.
• Applies Wound VAC under the direct supervision of an RN.
• Removes sutures in accordance with hospital protocols.
• Removes staples as part of routine patient care.
• Inserts Foley catheters as required for patient management.
• Performs Foley catheter irrigation at the direction of an RN.
• Flushes eyes as part of patient care when necessary.
• Flushes ears as part of patient care when required.
• Performs visual acuity checks to assess patient vision.
• Conducts EKGs as part of diagnostic procedures.
• Places patients on cardiac monitors/telemetry to monitor heart activity.
• Performs nasal swabs for testing purposes.
• Performs throat swabs for testing purposes.
• Places patients on oxygen as required for respiratory support.
• Completes admission history to gather important patient information.
• Completes Home Medication List to ensure accurate medication records.
• Applies AED as needed in emergency situations.
• Applies Plexipulses and SCDs (at the direction of an RN) to support patient care.
• Performs Point of Care Testing or carbohydrate counting as required for patient management.
• Applies monitors and telemetry to track patient vitals and heart function.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and can be

expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management deems necessary.

Education & Experience

• Minimum education required: High School Diploma, successful completion of clinical lab check-offs at an accredited RN/LPN program.
• Minimum experience required: enrollment in accredited RN/LPN program.
• Minimum experience preferred: 1 year experience in healthcare setting.

Licensure & Certification

• Minimum certification required: BLS