Nursing Care Assistant I (CNA) - General Medicine (Days)

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Duke Nursing Highlights:

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
• Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
• Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
• Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!

Hiring Incentives

• $5,000 Commitment Bonus for eligible Nursing Care Assistants -  Paid in two equal installments over 12 months (every six months).

The Adult General Medicine Intermediate/Stepdown Unit (4100)is comprised of 31 beds. Our team of nursing staff provide exemplary care for a variety of complex patients with diagnosis such as Sepsis, Sickle Cell, GI Bleed, End Stage Renal Failure, Diabetes, Cirrhosis and Behavioral Health Disorders. 

About the Unit This unit is part of Duke University Hospital's innovation initiative, designed to redefine care delivery by integrating cutting-edge technologies that enhance patient outcomes, streamline workflows, and improve operational efficiency. Units 2100, 3100, and 4100 at Duke North are piloting smart room capabilities, automated signage, and virtual access for care teams and families. Future enhancements include predictive tools for fall prevention and ambient listening for documentation. Staff foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, collaborating across departments to explore solutions like expedited medication delivery, all aimed at improving the patient experience and reducing length of stay.

Department Highlights:

• 3 DAISY Awards – for providing extraordinary compassionate care to their patients and families every day!
• Strengths in teamwork, multi-disciplinary collaboration and professional respect – we offer a dynamic environment for professional development, collaborative "NA Academy"

Work Schedule: 

• 3 x 12 hour shifts; 36 hours per week; Day shift: 7am - 7:30pm. 

General Description of the Job Class

• The Nursing Assistant (NA) is a patient care support partner with the Registered Nurse (RN) and/or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and performs work as delegated by the RN or LPN.
• The NA provides direct care to patients and assists with non-direct patient care unit coordination.
• The individual in this position is expected to perform basic care and comfort standards as well as have knowledge of the patient population needs in the assigned work area.
• In addition, the NA is expected to assist the RN/LPN in the care of acutely ill patients.
• This individual is expected to practice medical asepsis, respect the dignity and privacy of every patient and family, and to respect cultural differences during patient care.
• They are expected to know and adhere to all basic policies and procedures and respond appropriately during emergency situations.
• They are expected to maintain the patient/family environment, perform general unit upkeep, order and maintain unit equipment, and order supplies as needed, with or without direct supervision.
• The NA is expected to use accurate verbal and written communication and to document patient care appropriately in the electronic health record.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Prepare patients, equipment and supplies for specific procedures and provide manual assistance as required.
• Obtain and record patient data for medical records noting and informing RN/LPN of information collected.
• Administer treatment and personal care procedures to patients including, but not limited to, feeding, bathing, hair care, changing clothing, nail care, bed-making, assisting with ambulation, enemas, skin care, and bowel and bladder elimination; provide such additional care as required to meet the personal needs and comfort of assigned patients.
• Participate in teaching activities by reinforcing teaching instructed by RN and/or providers as needed.
• Assist providers and nurses with physical examinations by helping position patients, changing non-sterile dressing and weighing patients.
• Take and record vital signs, record I&O, and apply ice bags.
• Note and report any changes in patient's condition.
• Turn and position patients, set up and feed patients as necessary, provide patients with fresh drinking water.
• Perform fingersticks for blood glucose testing, with appropriate training, document and notify RN/LPN.
• Assist with admission, discharge, and transportation of patients.
• Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.
• Collect, deliver and conduct routine tests on patient specimens.
• Clean assigned area; stock and replenish supplies and equipment as required.
• Participate in own professional development by maintaining required skills validation and attending educational offerings.
• Support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• May also perform clean dressing change for wounds over 48 hours old.
• Perform other related duties incidental to work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

• N/A

Experience

• No previous work experience required.
• Prior experience preferred.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Currently listed as a Nursing Assistant I (NA I) with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation with no substantiated findings of abuse, fraud, neglect or misappropriation of property.
• BCLS certification must be maintained/completed by the end of new hire orientation, which typically takes place during the first week of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients.
• Working knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene and basic health and safety precautions applicable to work in a hospital.
• Working knowledge of the organization and physical layout of the hospital.
• Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions.
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking.
• This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing all day.
• The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 35 pounds with assistance or appropriate lift equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and hospital staff.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of providing non- professional bedside patient care.
• Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing may be required.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.