Job Summary
The nursing assistant performs nursing procedures and patient care tasks.
Essential Functions
- Assist the nurse and physicians in examination and treatment of patients.
- Obtain vital signs routinely and as needed (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respirations).
- Perform EKG and collect blood specimens, ensuring proper procedures and completion of all required competencies.
- Perform point-of-care testing, such as finger-sticks for blood glucose monitoring. Critical results and additional finger-sticks are to be performed by RN or MD only. Keep all POC equipment codes current and up-to-date.
- Keep all hospital-issued personal ID codes confidential and current.
- Change patient bed linen, empty Foley's, and perform bed baths independently or with RN/MD as requested.
- Receive a verbal or written report from the RN prior to patient care.
- Document all patient care activities accurately in the electronic medical record.
- Maintain effective communication among the healthcare team.
- Always be in proper uniform and use proper body mechanics.
- Ensure patient safety at all times.
- Complete duties as directed by RN or Nurse Manager.
- Respond to all call lights promptly and assist patients as needed.
- Assist with personal hygiene, toileting, grooming, and feeding, keeping patients NPO if required.
- Comply with policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Assist with patient mobility and ambulation.
- Monitor patient safety as requested, including one-to-one observation if needed.
- Provide emotional support, demonstrating empathy and approachability.
- Perform daily rounds independently or with the Primary Nurse or Nurse Manager.
- Orient, monitor, and provide feedback to new hires.
- Stay current with education provided by the Education Department and Managers.
- Assist in preparations for outside agency visits.
- Must be able to bend, kneel, reach, and lift over 50 lbs.
- Maintain proper uniform attire.
- Perform service recovery and address patient or visitor issues immediately.
- Collect data and measure unit-specific quality indicators.
- Keep patient rooms organized, clean, and stocked with supplies.
- Dispose of waste materials properly and safely.
- Maintain a safe and quiet environment.
- Ensure all equipment is plugged in and charged, and report any malfunctions immediately.
- Use safe techniques during all procedures.
- Maintain patient rights and confidentiality.
- Maintain open communication with family, staff, patients, and physicians.
- Perform all other duties as needed.
Other Duties
This job description is not exhaustive; duties may change at any time with or without notice.
Minimum Education/Certifications
High School Diploma or GED required; BA preferred. Must have EKG and Phlebotomy Certificates and BLS Certification (American Heart Association).
Minimum Work Experience
At least 1 year of inpatient psychiatry or substance abuse experience.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Non-exempt, full-time, 37.5 hours/week, including holidays, weekends, and additional coverage as needed.
Physical Demands Analysis
Details individual physical demands across categories: Mobility, Strength, Upper Extremity Postural Activity, Sensory/Perceptual, Work Environment, and Conditions of Work.