Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs a wide range of direct resident care services such as: grooming, bathing, feeding, range of motion, walking, transferring.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in written format.
• Ability to get along with peers and supervisor and promote a team environment.
• Ability to establish good relations with residents, family and other visitors. 
• Regular and punctual attendance
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Willingness and ability to implement facility policy & procedures
• Able to lift at least 50 pounds using proper lifting techniques. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements direct care services towards physical needs in order to prevent disease, preserve function and maintain dignity:
• Performs daily tasks related to personal care hygiene by regular bathing, hair/skin care, perineal care, dressing/undressing, oral hygiene/denture care, nail care, shaving, etc. according to nursing procedures, the plan of care, and specific written assignments.
• Performs daily tasks relating to activity/rest by assisting, repositioning, transferring and ambulating residents, using walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and other mechanical aids, gait belts, lifts and other devices according to rehabilitation standards, facility nursing procedures and the individualized plan of care.
• Performs daily tasks relating to nutrition by preparing residents for meals/snacks, serving trays accurately and timely, feeding/assisting according to rehabilitation standards. Monitors amount eaten and fluids consumed; documenting all in the electronic medical record using the kiosk located throughout the facility. Reports to the charge nurse any changes in a resident appetite. Encourages adequate fluid intake and follows fluid administration schedule according to nursing procedures and the individual’s plan of care.
• Performs daily tasks related to elimination needs by placing residents on bedpan, offering urinal, taking to the commode or toilet, performing catheter care and collecting routine urine and stool specimens, according to facility nursing procedures, the individual’s plan of care and bowel and/or bladder training program.
• Implements direct care services towards psychological/spiritual needs in order to provide satisfaction,
• prevent apathy, preserve dignity and to promote resident’s rights:
• Follows specific psychological, behavior and communication approaches when performing cares as indicated in the individual’s plan of care.
• Encourages attendance at activities and religious functions according to the individual’s plan of care and staff assignment. 
• Socializes one on one with residents when performing daily care or during group activities, according to individual plans of care and resident rights.
• Creates and maintains a calm, quiet, non-confusing environment, according to unit philosophy, unit program standards and individualized plan of care. Uses a calm voice, keeps radio and television volume low, uses carts and equipment as quietly as possible.
• Allows and encourages residents to express needs appropriately and confronts behavior that is unacceptable. Responds to verbal/non-verbal requests and expression according to appropriate communication techniques and the individualized plan of care.
• Communicates timely and appropriately to the Charge Nurse regarding resident’s condition, behavior or treatments. Maintains confidentiality of private data according to the Resident Bill of Rights.
• Treats residents with respect, allows choices within their capabilities, provides privacy and prevents or minimizes abuse by intervening and reporting appropriately and in a timely manner according to the Resident Bills of Rights, Elder Justice Care Act, and facility policies.
• Communicates effectively with residents, family and staff in order to provide direction, obtain and give information, facilitate problem solving and ensure a consistent approach when administering care
• Communicates with and approaches residents according to their individualized plan of care and the Resident Bill of Rights. Uses terminology and manner of speech appropriate to the resident’s level of understanding.
• Responds to family/visitors in a non-defensive manner, pleasant and helpful manner, carrying out requests as appropriate and/or referring them in a timely manner to the RN/Supervisor as the situation dictates.
• Responds appropriately to assignments and directions/coaching from the supervisor and others.
• Maintains accurate and on-going records, in order to document actions taken, describe resident behavioral outcomes and to facilitate communication with other staff.
• Documents/reports cares given, vital signs, weights, food/fluid intakes, and BMs in a timely, accurate manner, according to nursing procedures and staff assignment.
• Reports orally and in writing any observation/condition changes of the resident, without delay and as assigned.
• Reports to the RN/Supervisor any resident incident, injury or error in a timely manner, providing complete and accurate information.
• Reports and documents any employee (self) accident/incident within the shift per policy and procedure.
• Reports verbally any unusual observations/situations regarding residents, families, staff to the RN/Supervisor timely, carefully and accurately, completing an Unusual Occurrence Form as directed by the RN/Supervisor.
• Implements measures to maintain a clean, safe environment, in order to prevent disease and 
• contamination, preserve neatness and reduce incidents/accidents for residents, staff and visitors.
• Knows and carries out tasks related to disasters (fire, floods, explosions, loss of power) according to facility disaster plan and procedures and individual drill assignments.
• Adheres to facility smoking policies.
• Wipes up spills immediately, removes hazardous objects, places warning signs in place as the need arises.
• Does not use unsafe or broken equipment and reports all equipment or physical plant repairs needed to supervisor within the shift or immediately as the situation dictates and documents per policy and procedure.
• Uses and monitors the usage restraints according to the resident’s plan of care, staff assignment and facility restraint policy.
• Follows lifting and transfer plan of resident as indicated on the plan of care and staff assignment sheet. Uses a transfer belt and proper body mechanics.
• Uses correct hand-washing techniques. Handles supplies/equipment, cleans and sanitizes equipment as assigned and according to facility procedures.
• Restocks supplies and uses supply carts, laundry hampers, and personal care items according to infection control procedures.
• Responds to all call lights promptly, regardless of own assignment.
• Always leaves resident rooms, bathrooms, tub and utility rooms neat and clean.
• Acts responsibly regarding all aspects of the Nursing Assistant position.
• Reviews resident kardex, assignments and report sheets regularly or daily as necessary. 
• Puts new information/skills learned into practice.
• Fosters good working relationships among caregivers and works respectfully and cooperatively with other team members daily. Refrains from starting or spreading rumors about other staff.
• Regularly reviews and follows schedule of hours to ensure attendance; does not fall below the standard.
• Implements and follows the policy and procedures of the facility and adheres to State and Federal regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Customer Service

• Provide compassionate resident care services.
• Establish and maintain positive interactions with internal and external customers, including residents, families, co-workers, vendors and other associates. 

Continuing Education

• Recognize self-evaluation and self-development as important tools in maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.
• Attends job-performance-related classes that are mandatory by facility policy or are assigned/approved by the Director of Staff Development in order to stay in compliance with Federal and State regulations
• Seek and provide peer support and consultation. 
• Participate in facility/department in services.
• Attend continuing education programs to maintain the standards the professional license.
• Attend facility/department/staff meetings as required.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents and staff. 
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move residents, medical equipment, supplies; a maximum of twenty-five (25) pounds.