RCA Resident Care Associate

Resident Care Associate

The Resident Care Associate provides the service and care required to each resident in a timely and efficient manner.

Principal Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides ongoing supervision of residents' health related activities; complying with health care instructions explained by health care professionals and promptly and appropriately seeking and obtaining medical attention when needed
• Recognizes and can assist in the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Recognizes and reports a resident's change of condition particularly as it relates to needing more time to deliver care
• Assists residents with Activities of Daily Living (bathing, grooming, hygiene, dressing, toileting, mobility/transfers, dining)
• Participates in functional evaluation and service plan reviews
• Removes, launders, folds, and properly returns resident linens and personal laundry
• Serves residents food as directed, including feeding skills, if regulations permit
• Receives and gives report of on-going shifts by oral and/or written log
• Effectively handles resident behavioral expressions
• Reacts calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Assures resident information is communicated to the staff through the report process and calendar (i.e. appointments, outings, etc.)
• Efficiently documents and provides accurate record-keeping as appropriate
• Checks all residents daily for cleanliness, appropriate clothing, and any continence issues
• Uses proper sanitary procedures to wipe tables, and sweep and mop dining room and life enrichment kitchen after meals
• Checks on resident rooms daily for general cleanliness and neatness; ensures high risk rooms are double checked
• Communicates and documents residents' material needs (i.e. briefs, clothing, toothpaste, pads, etc.)
• Measures and accurately records vital signs (temperatures, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight and height) where appropriate as per state regulations
• Accurately communicates and documents residents' status
• Assesses resident safety/risk in a proactive manner
• Effectively communicates with residents, families and friends of residents
• Accurately completes incident reports prior to the end of the working day
• Participates with Programming staff and residents in daily programs and recreational activities as directed. Utilizes the program staff for assistance and supplies and activity boxes
• Responds to emergencies and personal emergency response system and knows when to call for backup
• Serves as mentor to new Resident Care Associates
• Special projects/assignments as delegated

Education/Experience/Licensure/Certification:

• Must have current certification as a nursing assistant or have successfully completed the certified home health aide or homemaker/personal care homemaker training program
• In Rhode Island, all Resident Care Associates must be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• High School education preferred

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates proficiency at reading and understanding a Resident Care Service Plan or assignment (e.g., ADLs and introductory visits)
• Understands advanced directives and end-of-life care
• Understands the nursing function in assisted living, memory care and/or skilled nursing
• Understands quality of care and life objectives
• Reviews and demonstrates understanding of the use of Resident Care Standards and Practices with the Resident Care Director/Director of Nursing and/or supervisor
• Demonstrates knowledge of Benchmark Standards and Practices
• Demonstrates working knowledge of state regulations as they pertain to the job
• Has sound working knowledge of policies in the Resident Handbook
• Possesses current First Aid, and Heimlich certification, if required by state regulation