Nursing Assistant

Overview

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

Responsibilities

• Provides personal care including bath, shampoo, shave, back rub, positions patients, makes beds, prepares patients for meals, feeds patients, and passes ice water.
• Answers all signal lights and bells promptly to determine and meet patient needs.
• Collects specimens, stool, urine, sputum, etc.
• Collects input and output and records appropriately.
• Collects and records vital signs on patient.  Obtain and records pertinent patient information per hospital policy.
• Assists and/or feeds patients, provides between meal nourishment’s, provides fresh drinking water and encourages fluids when indicated.
• Assists in progressive ambulation of patients by wheelchair, stretcher, and bed.
• Administers enemas, douches and inserts rectal tubes and documents appropriately.
• Applies ace bandages and elastic stockings, fills hot water bottles, ice bags, pads and humidifiers.
• Cares for Foley catheters and Levine tubes as instructed by nurse.
• Applies condom drains and scrotal suspensatories, unsterile compresses, and binders.
• Gives postmortem care and transports body to morgue.
• Applies restraints and siderails to assure safety of patients.
• Observes isolation technique and gives direct patient care to patients on isolation.
• Assists in colostomy care.
• Sets up Orthopedic appliances.
• Runs errands, delivers messages, and answers telephone.
• Maintains a safe environment.
• Observes for and reports safety hazards, and prepares incident reports.
• Prepares patients for surgery, x-ray and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares patients for examination and treatment:
• Remains with patients unless relieved.
• Performs such duties as providing proper equipment, supplies, and adjusting lights.
• Cleaning up and restocking of area, including supplies and equipment.
• Assists in the orientation of the new patient to his surroundings.
• Assists in maintaining a sanitary and safe environment in service and nursing areas.
• Participates in team conferences, in-service education programs and staff meetings.
• Assists other hospital employees as needed, i.e. OR Aide returning patients from the Recovery Room, x-ray, etc. (when indicated).
• Assists with admissions, transfers, and discharges of patients.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

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

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to provide basic patient care and assist with activities of daily living.

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

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized patient care environment.

• Ability to observe, report, and document patient information accurately.

• Additional training may be required and provided for work in specialized areas.

Licenses & Certifications

• May require competency listing with the State of Kentucky to work in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF).