Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for providing direct and indirect non-professional nursing care or outreach services in a clinic, hospital, institution, or home setting under nursing or medical supervision. This includes performing duties such as taking vital signs, obtaining lab specimens, charting, escorting patients, assisting with activities of daily living, and ordering and receiving supplies.
Typical Functions
Performs direct nursing tasks including taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living and hygiene needs, and obtaining certain lab specimens.
Charts observations and activities, reporting pertinent changes in the patient’s condition.
Performs delegated or other specialized functions as educationally prepared.
Escorts patients to and from various destinations.
Assists in maintaining and providing a clean, safe environment.
Orders, receives and stores supplies and performs basic clerical functions.
Participates in follow-up activities and tracking clients, schedules appointments and performs other related tasks.
Provides case finding and recruitment of at risk persons for comprehensive health services.
Level Descriptor
This is the specialist level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibility for providing more complex patient care tasks and performs more advanced duties.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the English language to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; of public health services available to the community; of record keeping; of the techniques of interviewing, of basic nursing practices and techniques; of basic methods of sanitation and personal hygiene; and of medical terminology. Ability is required to record observations and activities, to follow oral and written directions; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to apply basic nursing techniques; and to judge a situation accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Education and Experience
Education and Experience required at this level consists of two years of experience in providing patient care.
Physical Requirements
VISION: Vision adequate to: perform patient care and/or administer medications; observe patients; read assignments, procedures, labels, signs, dials, displays; record data; and distinguish colors.
HEARING: Hearing adequate to: utilize stethoscope; receive reports and instructions; utilize Center communication system; and hear patient requests and alarms.
SPEECH: Speech adequate to: clearly and audibly report observations, call emergencies, and explain procedures in providing care to predominantly English speaking patients and others.
MOBILITY: Mobility adequate to: be on feet most of 8 hours with two 15 minute breaks and one 30 minute break; walk, squat, bend, and kneel; access stairs; use hands and fingers to grip and hold; use arms for reaching and extending in a full range of motion in providing personal care, grooming, feeding tasks and/or administering medication and treatments to patients; physically turn, position, ambulate, and transport patients with mechanical lift (routine care) independently or with assistance; lift and carry up to 25 pounds without assistance; and push or pull (maneuver) wheelchairs, geri chairs, carts, etc. weighing up to 500 pounds or 25 lbs. of force as measured by a Chatillon force gauge or similar device. In emergency situations must transfer patients with 2, 3, or 4 person lift technique on level surface or stairs.
ENVIRONMENT: Must be able to work with all chemicals involved in performing the essential functions of the job.
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: If assigned administrative duties, must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
JOB ASSIGNMENT: Must be able to work on any unit or shift as assigned or to float to other units or shifts to meet the needs of the organization.
Special Requirements
ODVA has determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8. The Department of Veterans Affairs requires current certification in good standing by the Oklahoma State Department of Health as a (CNA) Certified Nursing Aide for Level I and II. Level III requires certification as a (CMA-A) Certified Medication Aide Advanced by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.