Nursing Assistant

Overview

The Nursing Aide assists in patient care throughout nursing areas, and is responsible for the safe transport of patients via wheelchair or stretcher, dispatch services and appropriate documentation of services. Provides the services of an Observer for any patient on a patient care unit who has been assessed to require constant observation in order to maximize his/her safety. Performs general receptionist and clerical duties in order to facilitate efficient functioning of the nursing unit.

Responsibilities

• Provides personal care including bath, shampoo, shave, back rub, positions patients, makes beds, prepares patients for meals, feeds patients, and passes ice water.
• Answers all signal lights and bells promptly to determine and meet patient needs.
• Collects specimens, stool, urine, sputum, etc.
• Collects input and output and records appropriately.
• Collects and records vital signs on patient. Obtain and records pertinent patient information per hospital policy.
• Assists and/or feeds patients, provides between meal nourishment’s, provides fresh drinking water and encourages fluids when indicated.
• Assists in progressive ambulation of patients by wheelchair, stretcher, and bed.
• Administers enemas, douches and inserts rectal tubes and documents appropriately.
• Applies ace bandages and elastic stockings, fills hot water bottles, ice bags, pads and humidifiers.
• Cares for Foley catheters and Levine tubes as instructed by nurse.
• Applies condom drains and scrotal suspensatories, unsterile compresses, and binders.
• Gives postmortem care and transports body to morgue.
• Applies restraints and siderails to assure safety of patients.
• Observes isolation technique and gives direct patient care to patients on isolation.
• Assists in colostomy care.
• Sets up Orthopedic appliances.
• Runs errands, delivers messages, and answers telephone.
• Maintains a safe environment.
• Observes for and reports safety hazards, and prepares incident reports.
• Prepares patients for surgery, x-ray and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares patients for examination and treatment:
• Remains with patients unless relieved.
• Performs such duties as providing proper equipment, supplies, and adjusting lights.
• Cleaning up and restocking of area, including supplies and equipment.
• Assists in the orientation of the new patient to his surroundings.
• Assists in maintaining a sanitary and safe environment in service and nursing areas.
• Participates in team conferences, in-service education programs and staff meetings.
• Assists other hospital employees as needed, i.e. OR Aide returning patients from the Recovery Room, x-ray, etc. (when indicated).
• Assists with admissions, transfers, and discharges of patients.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred
• Basic Life Support preferred

Minimum Work Experience

• Previous hospital experience preferred

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Nurse Aide in Kentucky

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively and document information accurately
• Ability to deal efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of individuals
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology preferred
• Basic computer knowledge is preferred
• Ability to move or lift patients and equipment
• Ability to work independently within general guidelines
• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and written