Description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, performs various duties assisting nursing and medical staff in the treatment and care of patients, utilizing principles specific to adolescents, adults and elderly patients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Helps prepare unit, patient rooms, and patient beds for receiving patient admission, returning surgical patient, transfer or emergencies; assists in and, as necessary, accompanies patient in the admission, transfer and discharge procedures.

2. Provides morning care, (bed bath, if necessary, changing of bed linens, dressing patient) and evening care (back rubs, freshening bed linen, undressing patient) and other general care, as necessary throughout the day.

3. As directed, takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, height, (intake/output measurements and blood pressure as applicable).

4. Assists with pre-operative care, such as positioning patients, lifting and turning patient with proper body mechanics, applying/utilizing special equipment as necessary, and ambulating patient as directed.

5. Prepares patients for meals, distributes food trays, assists or feeds patients, as necessary, and removes tray; distributes drinking water and other nourishments to patients.

6. Transports patients to an from various areas, as necessary; collects specimens and transports same to proper areas, as requested.

7. Makes rounds to assigned patients, anticipates patients' needs,and answers/responds to patient call lights or paging; reports (and where appropriate, records) any changes observed in condition or behavior of patient; also, contributes to nursing care plan.

8. Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment by reporting equipment that is out of order, reporting other problems to management, cleaning equipment, as assigned, and preparing same for disinfection and receiving linen and supply stock on the unit.

9. Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors and other hospital personnel, while assuring confidentiality of patient information.

Qualifications

1. High school graduate or equivalent work experience, including ability to read, write, and comprehend medical terminology.

2. Previous experience as a nursing assistant preferred, or able to satisfactorily complete training program.

3. Certified Nursing Assistant required.

4. Strong interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, medical staff, and other hospital personnel.