Nursing Assistant

Purpose:

Provides routine patient care and support services in accordance with established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by nurse or physician, to assure that the highest degree of quality patient care is maintained at all times. Minimally must routinely perform the UPMC nursing core responsibilities for nursing assistants: blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care.

Responsibilities:

Acquire and distribute supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, performing messenger functions, ordering, charging/crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the nursing assistant position and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas.

Contribute to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays and transporting patients.

Demonstrate awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.

Maintain an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to, completing safety checks, keeping the department and patient rooms clean and organized, cleaning department specific equipment, changing bed linens, emptying linen hampers, keeping hallways clear of equipment and returning equipment.

Assure equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.

Assume responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges.

Maintain current CPR certification at Heart Saver level.

Deliver patient nourishments, fill water pitchers and distribute patient mail.

Provide diversion activities to reduce or prevent use of restraints.

Understands and implements the rehabilitation routine and philosophy including FIMS within the scope of practice.

Successfully completes FIM exam as required bi-annually.

Establish appropriate and effective communication strategies.

May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.

Document in the medical record according to established procedures.

Provide direct patient care as directed by the RN including all activities of daily living such as but not limited to bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting and ambulating patients.

Constructively receive feedback and direction.

Participate in self-review as requested by the unit director.

Comply with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understand policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure.

Establish professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.

Strictly adhere to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital related information.

Provide companionship/supervision one in one with patients as required.

Suggest and support changes within the department.

Respond within the scope of the nursing assistant role to emergent situations.

Perform routine tests such as blood glucose monitoring, patient weights, vital signs and I&Os.

Take action to improve knowledge, skills and performance.

Identify and communicates learning needs to the unit director.

Request assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.

Provide feedback to the RN regarding patient care and report changes in patient status.

High school diploma or equivalent.If no previous hospital or pre-hospital training, successful completion of UPMC nursing assistant training program or Nursing Student that has completed one Clinical Rotation.Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.?

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran