Nursing Assistant

Overview

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.