Nursing Assistant

Nurse Aide

The Nurse Aide is responsible for performing basic nursing procedures in assisting in the care of patients.

Responsibilities

Provides personal care services including bathing, shampooing, shaving, back care, positioning patients, making beds, preparing patients for meals, feeding patients, and distributing ice water.

Responds promptly to patient call lights and signal systems to determine and meet patient needs.

Collects specimens including urine, stool, sputum, and other specimens as directed.

Measures, records, and reports patient intake and output accurately.

Obtains, records, and reports vital signs and other pertinent patient information in accordance with hospital policy.

Assists with feeding patients, provides nutritional supplements between meals, supplies fresh drinking water, and encourages fluid intake as indicated.

Assists patients with ambulation and transportation utilizing wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds.

Administers enemas, douches, and inserts rectal tubes as directed and documents procedures appropriately.

Applies ace bandages, elastic stockings, hot water bottles, ice bags, heating pads, and humidifiers as directed.

Provides care for Foley catheters and nasogastric (Levine) tubes under the direction of nursing staff.

Applies condom catheters, scrotal supports, non-sterile compresses, and binders as directed.

Provides post-mortem care and assists with transportation of deceased patients to the morgue.

Applies restraints and side rails in accordance with policy to promote patient safety.

Observes isolation precautions and provides direct patient care to patients requiring isolation.

Assists with colostomy care.

Sets up orthopedic appliances and equipment as directed.

Delivers messages, runs errands, and answers telephones as needed.

Maintains a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Identifies and reports safety hazards and completes incident reports when required.

Prepares patients for surgery, radiology procedures, and other diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.

Assists with patient examinations and treatments by providing equipment and supplies, adjusting lighting, and preparing treatment areas.

Cleans, organizes, and restocks patient care areas, supplies, and equipment.

Assists with orienting new patients to their surroundings and hospital environment.

Assists in maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe environment throughout nursing and service areas.

Participates in team conferences, staff meetings, and in-service education programs.

Assists other hospital personnel as needed in the transport and care of patients.

Assists with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

Successful completion of a hospital-approved Nursing Aide Training Program required.

Work Experience:

Three (3) months of on-the-job training required to attain proficiency in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Licensure/Certification:

Additional training and certification may be required for specific patient care areas.

State-approved competency listing may be required for employment in Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) settings, as applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of basic patient care procedures and nursing aide responsibilities.

Ability to provide quality patient care under the direction of licensed nursing personnel.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.

Ability to recognize and report changes in patient condition.

Knowledge of infection prevention, patient safety, and confidentiality standards.

Ability to perform assigned duties with compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail.