Job Title: Float Nursing Assistant Department: Medical Surgical

Reports to: Clinical Nurse Manager Revision Date: 12/14/2023

Grade Level: 14 Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

The Float Nursing Assistant is accountable for monitoring and providing direct patient care to patients who require close observation for high-risk behaviors and reporting these behaviors appropriately to responsible staff on the unit. Float Nursing Assistants are assigned to patients in the ICU, MedSurg and Emergency Department to enhance patient safety, provide support for the nursing team and provide care to patients in accordance with our established nursing care procedures. Assists with routine daily care of patients including, but not limited to, eating, showering, dressing and other daily care tasks.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Report observations of patients to the nurse caring for the patient to ensure professional assessment.
• Report to the team leader or charge nurse any treatments, observations, patient complaints, and other pertinent information regarding the patient s condition.
• Perform Intake & Output; check vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure), height and weight; perform sugar and acetone urine testing, specimen collection, and post-mortem care.
• Adapt to the different needs of patients by providing patient care including, but not limited to: providing and clearing bedpans and urinals, providing baths, backrubs, shampoos and shaves, assisting patients with showers, assisting with meals and feeds patients, and providing fresh water and nourishment between meals.
• Maintain awareness of patient's diet and/or restrictions.
• Safely ambulates, turns and positions patients.
• Promptly answer patient call lights (whether that of assigned patient or not).
• Anticipate patient's needs; ensure call light and personal articles are within patient's reach; demonstrate a cooperative attitude when assisting patients.
• Occasionally administer nonsterile dressings, ice packs, heat treatments, sitz and therapeutic baths as needed.
• Assist the patient in the admission, transfer and discharge process; Provide patient education on admission to the nursing unit.
• Perform responsibilities in the collection, labeling and transportation of specimens.
• Completes documentation as assigned.
• Take responsibility for patient's clothing and securing other personal property per policy.
• Routinely provide for patient safety through preventive measures (i.e. siderails, restraints per physician order, low bed position and safe transport to other areas).
• Strictly follow principles of asepsis and infection control for routine cleaning of equipment, supplies, and performing patient care.
• Provide professional, supportive and understanding communication and behavior when in contact with guests (patients, visitors, clients, physicians, employees and volunteers), always displaying positive guest relations.
• Correctly identify patient by name and ID band for all direct care, procedures or treatment
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities (Unit Specific):

• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and nursing practices is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current NYS Certified Nursing Assistant certification preferred.
• Unit specific orientation

Working Conditions:

• Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, pushing and pulling during the work day.
• Requires ability to lift, move, carry, push or pull approximately 200 pounds with assistance using proper body mechanics and/or available equipment to safely ambulate and transport patients.
• Requires the use of standard office equipment
• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, and infectious/hazardous materials.
• Participates in in-service programs; attends all mandatory classes as required; completes unit-specific competencies, cross-training, and accepts assignments to other units/shifts as hospital needs require.
• Actively participates in Quality Assurance programs and CQI.
• Occasionally attends meetings with staff and committees.
• Attendance required at assigned date, time, and location.
• Complies with DOH requirements for annual health assessments and required immunizations.

Pay Range; $16.17-$17.00/hr

Employee salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications

The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system that was established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to continue to be one of Oswego County's largest employers. More than 1,200 employees spread throughout its 17 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 164-bed community hospital with a brand new Medical Surgical Unit, a 32-bed state-of-the-art psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services; and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, Oswego Health includes the Oswego Health captive professional corporation, Physician Care P.C., providing physician services in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, audiology, general surgery, bariatrics, and primary care.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Oswego Health is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related matters, without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race), creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital or familial status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, citizenship status, ancestry, arrest/conviction record, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, relationship or association with a member of a protected category, or any other legally protected characteristic. Decisions affecting your position including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, tuition assistance, leaves of absence, disciplinary action, layoff/recall, and terminations will be made in accordance with this policy.