Working under the direction and supervision of the Charge and Staff Nurses and the Certified Nurse’s Aides, a Unit Aide does not provide personal care but will assist the residents to assure safety and comfort. The Unit Aide follows the nurse’s instructions. A Unit Aide observes and reports changes in the resident’s physical, mental and social status to nurses to ensure the well-being of the resident.

Job Responsibilities

• Communication
  • Verbal
    • Communicates pertinent information throughout the tour of duty and at change of shift to the responsible nurse
    • Consistently communicates in a manner that demonstrates a positive and cooperative attitude
  • Non-Verbal
    • Utilizes appropriate and professional body language
    • Demonstrates receptivity though active listening
• Resident Care Process
  • Assessment
    • Makes appropriate decisions regarding notifying the nurse responsible for the resident
  • Planning
    • Plans organization of assignment in order to complete assignment in a timely fashion
• Implementation
  • Executes procedures consistent with interdisciplinary care plan, Petersen Health Care Procedure Manuals and that are within the scope of the role of the Unit Aide
    • Maintains appropriate supplies of gloves and other personal protective equipment
    • Assists in organizing residents drawers, closets and rooms
    • Cleans residents jewelry as needed or upon request
    • Verifies that all dentures, glasses and personal items are marked with proper resident’s name
    • Cleans wheelchairs and Geri-chairs on a regular basis and as needed
    • Passes ice water.
    • Answers call lights and notifies appropriate personnel of resident’s
    • Makes resident beds and provides appropriate linen as
  • Provides for the safety and security needs of the resident by:
    • Making frequent checks on residents and responding to the resident’s call for assistance in a timely and appropriate manner
    • Giving appropriate explanations
    • Maintaining communication devices (nurse call light, TV and telephone and other such equipment)
  • Utilizes techniques of infection control such as:
    • Frequent hand washing
    • Standard precautions and disease specific precautionary techniques
  • Listens to and hears resident and family anxieties and relays this information to the nurse
• Role Involvement
  • Performs responsibilities in a cooperative manner under the guidance and supervision of professional nursing personnel. Uses time constructively and organizes assignments for maximum
  • Maintains current knowledge in the Mandatory Educational Activities as Fire Safety/Evacuation Procedures, Blood borne pathogens and proper body mechanics)
  • Demonstrates responsibility for own Standard of Practice
    • Reporting for work as scheduled and on time
    • Adhering to facility policy regarding absenteeism and sick time
    • Avoiding work-related injuries through the application or proper practice techniques
  • Assumes responsibility for personal appearance by adhering to the Petersen Health Care dress code
  • Integrate cost effective measures nursing practices by:
    • Using supplies efficiently
    • Being willing to work in a team approach to accomplish goals
• Role Development
• Demonstrates support of the philosophy of Petersen Health Care by adhering to policies and
• Change Process
  • Identifies areas appropriate for change in a manner that demonstrates a positive attitude
  • Facilitates change process in a manner that demonstrates a positive attitude
  • Adapts to change brought about by external and internal forces in a cooperative and mature way

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Be of legal working age
• Be able to read and follow written directions
• Be able to communicate with residents and co-workers in English
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general
• Work overtime as necessary
• Be enrolled in a Competency Training Program leading to certification in less than 120 days from the date of employment