POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible to the Unit Director/Manager/designee for overall practice. In his/her absence is responsible to the Nursing Supervisor, Charge Nurse or Nursing House Supervisor of the shift. Works under the direct supervision of a professional nurse and is responsible to her/him for the care/duties assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High School graduate or GED.
2. Completion of a patient care training course is preferred.

Experience:

1. Previous experience in a position with patient care activity is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Updates knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis including, but not limited to successful completion and maintenance of job related competencies.
2. Effectively functions as a team member and as a liaison between patient and staff.
3. Supports and encourages harmonious communication skills.
4. Uses verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills.
5. Demonstrates high level of mental and emotional tolerance, uses tact, sensitivity and sound judgments.
6. Communicates in highly professional manner at all times.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Nursing Assistant Certification preferred.
2. If Nursing Assistant Certified must be certified by the state of Pennsylvania.
3. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.
4. Within three months from the hire/transfer date, completes Crisis Prevention Institute’s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI NCI) training and renews every 2 years thereafter.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direct supervision from the Unit Director/Manager, Supervisor, Charge Nurse, or Nursing House Supervisor.  Performs under immediate supervision work assignments which are given at frequent intervals and checked regularly.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides direct patient care.
   1. Provides basic hygienic care such as bathing, oral hygiene and skin care.
   2. Prepares patient for transport and transports as directed.
   3. Assists patients with activities of daily living (A.D.L) such as getting in and out of bed, feeding, undressing/dressing.
   4. Responds to patients call lights and requests and relays patients messages appropriately to team leader or charge nurse.
   5. Takes and records vital signs, height and weight as directed.
   6. Changes linens as needed.
   7. Correctly measure and record Intake and Output.
   8. Distributes drinking water/nourishment to patients.
   9. Administers sitz baths and hot and cold applications as directed.
   10. Assists in the admission, discharge and transfer process as directed.
   11. Assists patient with handling and care of clothing and other personal property (including dentures, glasses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices) throughout their hospital stay.
   12. Labels patient belongings and personal care items, (i.e., urinal, bedside commode, etc.)
   13. Records and reports basic hygienic care provided, patient complaints, and observations.
   14. Provides equipment set-up when trained.
   15. Performs pre-operative shaving of patients as directed.
   16. Performs Bedside Glucose (BSG) testing.
2. Maintains safe environment.
   1. Keeps patient side rails up after giving patient care.
   2. Keeps patient call bell and needed articles within reach, such as water, tissues, etc.
   3. Keeps patient's rooms neat and uncluttered.
   4. Reports any changes in patient’s physical or mental level of function to team leader or charge nurse.
   5. Keeps hallways clear of chairs, excess wheelchairs and litters.
3. Provides indirect patient care.
   1. Cooperates with other team members in resupplying stock, delivery specimens to the lab, assembling new charts, delivering requisitions to other departments and running errands.
   2. Cleaning instruments.
   3. Answer telephone and relay messages.
   4. Perform other duties as assigned.
   5. Documents care provided.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.