Clinical Co-Op Nursing Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Clinical Co-Op Nursing Assistant is responsible for assisting the RN with the care and treatment of patients. The Clinical Co-Op Nursing Assistant will perform clinical tasks as delegated by an RN according to established policies and procedures of the Department of Nursing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain patient flow by preparing patients for discharge or transfer. Assist with the ongoing management of patient flow by ensuring that rooms/beds are prepared and set up for admissions and prepared for cleaning after discharge, thereby minimizing patient wait time.

• Obtain vital signs per protocol. As instructed, document vital signs and communicate to responsible RN, any vital signs that are not within normal limits. Use recognized and accurate medical terminology and abbreviations in all documentation.

• Measures and record patient intake and output and calorie counts, when appropriate.

• As instructed, documents patient information in the electronic medical record.

• Assists staff in urgent and emergent medical situations, including obtaining and operating medical equipment in accordance with established procedures with training.

• Assist in the collection and labeling of specimens (urine, feces, and sputum). As instructed, perform point of care testing.

• Answers telephone calls in a courteous patient centered manner.

• Maintain a high quality patient care environment by cleaning, preparing, and stocking patient rooms and treatment/clinical areas in accordance with established standards.

• Assist in the care, cleaning and maintenance of medical equipment and instruments. This includes monitoring relevant expiration dates and established maintenance schedules. May provide assistance in maintaining medical supply inventories, including monitoring relevant expiration dates.

• Understand, respect and demonstrate patient confidentiality in all endeavors. Understand the legal ramifications of violating any component of patient confidentiality. Understand and demonstrate the protocol and related procedures for the release of patient information.

• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

• Commits to recognize and respect cultural diversity for all customers (internal and external). Communicates effectively with internal and external customers with respect of differences in cultures, values, beliefs and ages, utilizing interpreters when needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Ability to work independently and take initiative

• Uses appropriate judgement in communications and actions with patients and all members of the healthcare team.

• Ability to manage difficult patients

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and accurately while working with frequent interruptions in a fast paced environment

• Ability to problem-solve and prioritize while maintaining calm under tense and difficult situations

• Knowledge of medical terminology.

• Ability to read and interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Ability to perform proper patient identification, take and record weight and height measurements, intake and output, vital signs and blood pressure collection as authorized.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of patients and families by understanding the customer’s needs by providing correct information and the ability to resolve problems requiring logical thinking and follow through.

• Basic computer and telephone skills.

EDUCATION?EXPERIENCE/LICENSURE

• Education: Currently enrolled in an approved Nursing Assistant certification program.

• Certification/Licensure: Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers completion.