Certified Nurses Aide

Description Job Summary

Provides direct care in the medical surgical setting. Meets the communication needs of the patient/family. Assists patients with activities of daily living, provides basic nursing care to acutely ill patients and assists in maintenance of a safe and clean environment under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse in charge of the team and/or unit. Participates in performance improvement activities. Maintains regulatory agency requirements, nursing and hospital policies, procedures and standards.

Standards of Behavior William Newton Hospital’s Standards of Behavior allow a mechanism for holding each employee accountable and encourages us to "raise the bar".

All employees are expected to familiarize themselves with the Standards and practice them daily.

Job

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides basic nursing care to acutely ill patients with the nursing assistant’s scope of practice that includes actions that meet psychosocial needs and physical needs. Meets communication needs of patients. Demonstrates performance reflecting the initiative and responsibility expected of a nursing assistant. Performs other duties, including end of shift activities, as assigned within the Nursing Assistant’s scope of practice. Assists in admission, transfer and discharge of patient. Performs basic patient care responsibilities, including a.m. and p.m. care activities, considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age and condition including pediatric, geriatric and general population. Notifies appropriate licensed personnel when patient complains of pain. Demonstrates ability to communicate to the RN any observed changes in patient status and responses. Maintains awareness of the needs of the pediatric, geriatric and general patient population. Demonstrates ability to assist with feeding patients and maintaining fluid balance with technique appropriate for patient’s age and physical condition. Elevates head of bed for safety. Provides explanation to patient and family prior to administering care to patient; answers questions within scope of practice. Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services within the scope of practice. Communicates appropriately and clearly to floor supervisor, house supervisors, co-workers and nurses. Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Demonstrates an ability to assist nurses with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills under the direction of an RN. Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations. Responds to patient in emergency or physically distressful situations. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity ensuring patient confidentiality. Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care. Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments. Meets current documentation standards and policies and completes within shift. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Coordinates and supervises patient care under the direct supervision of an RN. Medical and surgical asepsis is carried out during treatments and special procedures.

Requirements

Professional Requirements: Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean. Completes annual educational requirements, i.e., mandatory marbled packets and annual Medical Surgical Competency Checklist. Maintains regulatory requirements. Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times. Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time. Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized time system correctly. Completes required in-services in a timely fashion. Attends staff meetings, committee, CQI and management meetings, as appropriate. Completes annual laboratory testing, TB testing, per hospital policy. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices. Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner. Communicates the mission, vision and core values, ethics and goals of the hospital. Works at maintaining a good rapport and a cooperative working relationship with physicians, departments and staff. Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding department operations, fire safety and infection control. Demonstrates compliance with hourly rounding. Demonstrates compliance with no pass rule. Will not pass a call light going off. Will promptly answer call lights. Demonstrates compliance with updating white boards in patient rooms. Completes work assignments within designated times. Utilizes for efficiency time management. Uses AIDET.

Regulatory Requirements

High School graduate or equivalent is preferred. Successful completion of certified nursing assistant program preferred. Current BCLS (CPR) certification. Minimum of six months to one year of related work experience preferred.