Position Summary
Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse II (LPN), the Nursing Technician delivers patient care utilizing the Relationship-Based Care model as a framework. The Nurse Technician provides care and takes initiative to improve patient outcomes by supporting Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care and standards of nursing excellence in clinical practice. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Nurse Technician functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.
Duties & Responsibilities

Completes the “Core Skills Assessment” upon hire.

Sets up patients’ rooms

Sets up and complies with isolation precautions

Complies with UI Health infection control guidelines

Introduces self to the patient and family, provides patients with admission/information pack, and provides assistance as needed

Orients patient and family to room including explaining visiting hours, bed functions, and use of television, telephone, and call light

Assists with patient discharge as assigned, ensuring that all patient belongings go with the patient

Provides post-mortem care

Other duties as assigned

Responds to patient call lights

Measures and records vital signs, notifies RN of any abnormalities/changes

Measures and records weight and height

Monitors and reinforces use of incentive spirometer, deep breathing and coughing

Inspects patient’s skin and notifies RN of any abnormalities or changes

Maintains fall precautions, including bed-alarms.

Prepares patients for diagnostic and therapeutic tests as directed by the RN

Applies simple dressings as directed by the RN

Maintains oxygen therapy

Safely operates patient care equipment such as SCDs, pulse oximeters, specialty beds, weighing devices, and cardiac chairs

Empties drains and documents amount and color of drainage in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Performs range of motion, assists with patient mobilization (chair, transfers, turning and ROM)

Collects and labels in front of patient various specimens including sputum, urine and stool

Performs Point of Care testing as assigned.

Provides care for incontinent patients promoting skin integrity and utilizing appropriate products

Assists patients with meeting hydration and nutritional needs

Records intake and output amounts, performs calorie counts and provides meal supplements

Positions patient for oral intake to prevent aspiration

Monitors and reinforces fluid restrictions.

Performs a.m. or p.m. care, including back rubs, oral hygiene, making occupied and unoccupied beds. Prepares patient for OR, assists with bed baths, and assists patient with other activities of daily living.

Receives assignment from RN and consults and contributes to the patient’s plan of care

Documents patient information in EHR (vital signs, nursing care provided, intake and output)

Reinforces patient teaching provided by nurse

Acts as a patient / family advocate by providing comfort, assistance and information.

Provides feedback to RN on patient care and condition as directed

Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health values through teamwork and effective communication in an effort to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment