Assistant – Nursing

Overview

The Certified Nursing Assistant assists the clinical staff in the care of and treatment for patients in an acute care setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Responsibilities may vary based on department assignment. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective and efficient patient care delivery and the achievement of desired patient outcomes. Supports the organization vision and mission. Utilizes knowledge of patient's age, developmental status, spiritual and cultural diversity into the provision of patient care.  Contributes to the provision of quality nursing care through performance improvement techniques that demonstrate positive outcomes in patient care.

Responsibilities

Patient Care Activities

• Participates in nursing reports by receiving and contributing to status report of patients.
• Prepares patient and/or patient room for the admission, transfer or discharge process.
• Provides morning care, evening care and general care routines in accordance with established nursing care procedures to assure patients' physical comfort.
• Takes and records vital signs, height, weight (and other measurements, as applicable) in an accurate and precise manner.
• Prepares patients for meals, assists in feeding patients, and distributes water and other nourishment according to patients' needs.
• Performs general care activities for patients in isolation following established procedures.
• Makes rounds, anticipates patients' needs, and responds to patient call lights promptly.
• Assumes responsibility for patients' clothing and personal property (prosthetic devices, hearing aides, glasses, etc.), securing items in accordance with established procedure.
• Assists with or transports patients, as necessary.
• Collects appropriate specimens, labels properly and transports to proper area in a timely manner.
• Reports and/or records any changes observed in condition or behavior of the patient.
• Ensures accurate documentation on flow sheets.

Initiative and Dependability

• Independently performs assigned duties, assists staff in deliver of more complex treatments and procedures.
• Recognizes and performs duties which need to be performed, although not directly assigned.
• Seeks guidance and direction, as necessary, for performance of duties.
• Recognizes and responds to priorities in the patient care process.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment for patients.
• Maintains equipment assigned to patient care and reports malfunctioning of equipment to appropriate personnel.
• Demonstrates initiative.
• Has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department or different departments on an as-needed basis or as determined by management.
• Follows established hospital and department policies.
• Demonstrates the philosophy of team concept.
• Participates in group projects and staff meetings with suggestions with suggestions that enhance the work environment and increase productivity.
• Maintains confidentiality as related to job responsibilities.
• Exhibits willingness to resolve problems as they arise.
• Consistently projects positive professional image through appearance and behavior.
• Attends 75% of staff meetings or reads and initials minutes.
• Completes assigned work within shift.
• Complies with time and attendance policy.
• Assists in the orientation of new personnel to the unit. Acts as a buddy for new and/or registry staff.

Customer Service

• As observed, all interactions are conducted in a professional manner; is supportive and consistently demonstrates customer service standards.
• Verbal and written feedback from patients, family members/significant others, medical staff, visitors and co-workers indicates behavior conducive to positive guest relations.
• Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g., answers phone promptly by the 3rd ring, is courteous and helpful).
• Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g., assists co-workers when need is observed or when required; offers constructive suggestions and ideas, rather than complaints).
• Consistently displays a cheerful and positive attitude.
• Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other customers.

Performance Improvement

• Is aware of and participates in the performance improvement activities of the department.

Professional Conduct, Growth and Development

• Completes Annual Updates and Ethics Training within established time frames.
• Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.
• Attends 80% of inservice programs.
• Maintains licensure/certification as appropriate.

Age-Specific Competencies

• Data Collection/Age-Appropriate Care:
• Adolescent
• Aware of signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.
• Geriatric
• Evaluates for age appropriate behavior, motor skills and physiological norms.
• Aware of signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.
• Aware of need for additional safety measures, e.g., side rails, posey vest, etc.
• Maintains skin integrity; provides care according to plan/direction.
• Adolescent, Middle Adult & Geriatric
• Demonstrates ability to perform patient treatment and activities, e.g., assisting in feeding patient, provides AM care, changing bed linen, recording V/S and I/) accurately, ambulating patient.
• Recognizes and communicated to licenses nurse any changes observed in condition or behavior of patient.
• Recognizes appropriate mobility limitations, e.g., use of abductor pillow, log rolling and traction.
• Knowledge of Growth and Development - Adolescent, Middle Adult & Geriatric
• Recognizes the need to provide reassurance and help in accepting body changes; is non-judgmental and accepting of behavior.
• Recognizes the patient's need to have control over his/her environmental, knowledge and understanding of medical conditions including plan of care, prognosis and discharge plan.
• Demonstrates knowledge of physiological deficits in association with the aging process, e.g., sensory, communicative, cognitive, behavioral.

Unit-Specific Competencies (DOU & Med/Surg)

• Use of restraints
• Positioning orthopedic patients (i.e., total knee/hip)

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum Experience: One year acute care experience preferred.
• Required Certification/Registration: Current C.N.A. certificate and BLS required.