Nursing Assistant

Student Nurse/ Co-Op (Level 2)The Student Nurse/ Co-Op (Level 2) interacts with patients at the most intimate level and highest frequency. As an integral member of the health care team, the Student Nurse/ Co-Op (Level 2) shows up and remains engaged in all aspects of the role, drive results with intention, partners with unwavering support, commit to every single moment and serve with compassion.While working under the direct supervision of the registered nurse, the Student Nurse/ Co-Op (Level 2)'s primary focus is to support and assist in the delivery of quality care to patients and families. Some of the major responsibilities include participation in RN/CNA hand-off communications and unit huddles, timely collection and reporting of patient data, demonstrating safety protocols and adherence to policies at all times, timely notification and escalation of data or clinical conditions, remaining alert and responsive to activities on the unit, and demonstrating a genuine care for the patient (paying a close attention to the basics), e.g., active listening, timely response, cultural sensitivity, individualized approach to care.AccountabilitiesDemonstrates a genuine care for the patient, e.g., active listening and responding, gentle approach to providing care, knock then identify yourself before entering a patient's space, provide timely information to patients in a caring manner; ensure an individualized approach to care to include cultural sensitivities, anticipate patent needs based on dialogue and observation. Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.Active participation in daily RN/CNA handoffs and unit huddles. Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activitiesDemonstrates flexibility/change in assignments based on patient acuity and unit needsDemonstrates support of quality and safety measures in the work environment, e.g., demonstrated support of the unit's Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) goalsEnsure actions and behaviors demonstrate their support in creating a positive, caring and healing patient environmentPerforms duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and proceduresOther duties as assigned to support the unit, department, entity, and health system organizationReportReceives written/verbal report at the beginning of each shift from the registered nurse (RN) regarding the care that is to be delivered to the assigned group of patients, or for patient needing constant observation.Gives report when leaving unit, and at the completion of the shift regarding the care that was delivered; any abnormalities that occur during the shift are to be reported as they occur to the RN as well as to the oncoming CNA or PCA.Works in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team.Reports findings to nurse concerning the patient and or family which may impact patient care.Timely notification and escalation of data or clinical data/information, including clinical emergenciesDelegates tasks appropriately and also receptive to delegation from healthcare teamAssists in AssessmentIdentifies the patient per hospital policy before carrying out functions.Assists with data collection for nursing history and physical e.g., vital signs, ht. wt, blood sugar results, functional status and communicates changes to the RN in a timely fashion.Participates in respectful communication with patients, families and co workers.Provides patient and family information to the registered nurse for coordination of care and discharge planning.Observes skin changes and reports discoloration, abrasions, infestations or skin breakdown.PlanningAssists in setting mutually agreed upon realistic individual patient goals.Integrates the RN’s directions re: the patient’s plan of care into the care given to the patient.Gives RN report before the end of the shift regarding the patient’s response to the plan of care issues, and at various times during the shift to report unusual findings e.g., abnormal blood sugar results, vital sign changes, pain etc.Participates in multidisciplinary rounds on the patient care unit.InterventionAssist patient in their independence (when appropriate), preserving the patient's dignity while providing care.Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.Document and report interventions and observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.Demonstrate adherence to infection prevention policy and protocols, including attire, patient precautions and hand hygiene. Follows standard precautions and any other isolation precautions as dictated by the patient’s condition.Maintains a safe environment and protects the patient from injury by observing the patient who may be at risk for falls, confusion, disorientation, wandering or suicidal behaviors; follows Constant Observation Policy.Applies,monitors and documents patients in restraints per policy and per medical order.Demonstrate safe patient handling skills, following policy and using safe patient handling equipmentObserves,monitors and documents behavior/health state and responses to therapy.Temperature, Pulse, RespirationBlood PressureHeight and WeightIntake and OutputBowel and Bladder Function ChecksPainPerforms or assists the patient with activities of daily living such as bathing, (bed, tub, shower, or sitz) grooming, eating, feeding, range of motion, ambulating, transferring and oral hygiene.Participates in the prevention and of skin breakdown. Maintain turning and offloading.Applies current accepted methods of heat and cold therapy as directed by the nurse.Provides for the patient’s oral dietary needs using currently accepted methods. (special swallowing precautions).Provides for the elimination needs by giving a bed pan,urinal, emptying urinary and or bowel appliances or implementing the bowel program under the direction of the RN.Applies urosheath/condom catheter.Administers cleansing enemas as ordered.Assists with colostomy irrigations and vaginal irrigations.Performs post mortem care.Assists the physician to perform physical exams.Assists with oxygen therapy only and does not regulate the flow of oxygen.Encourage the use of the pulmonary toilet by using the incentive spirometer, coughing, turning and deep breathing.Communicates pertinent observations to appropriate members of the health care team in a timely fashion.Performs duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and proceduresOther duties as assigned to support the unit, department, entity, and health system organizationUPHS Organizational Behavioral CompetenciesCompetency Level 1Competency - DescriptionEnsures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.Patient/Customer Focus - Building strong patient/customer relationships and delivering patient centric solutions.Demonstrates Self-Awareness - Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.Values Differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Using thought, knowledge, logic and methods to solve problems with effective solutions.QualificationsEducation/ExperienceReq - Pref - Education Level - Major/Area of Study And/Or Experience - Experience DetailsX - H.S. Diploma/GEDX - Other - Matriculated in an accredited BSN Nursing Program; minimally completed the nursing foundations/