Nurse Assistant

Description

The nurse assistant helps Sisters with their personal care; maintains a clean and sanitary environment in the Sister’s room and on the unit; assists nurses with routine nursing tasks and provides gentle care to all Sisters at all times; and gives witness to the Franciscan values of reconciliation, peace and justice, responsible stewardship and respect for the individual.

Requirements

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Get report from the previous shift nurse assistant; Make rounds with the next shift nurse assistant.
• Check the Communication & Nurse Aide books and Kardex daily for updates.
• Attend report and note changes in Sister’s conditions and nursing care plans. Report significant observations in the Sisters. Make contributions in regard to the nursing care problems.
• Help Sisters bathe and dress.
• Prepare Sisters for meal time and assist or feed Sisters as necessary.
• Provide good oral hygiene and clean dentures.
• Help turn and reposition bed-ridden Sisters frequently.
• Trim fingernails and toenails of non-diabetic Sisters.
• Shampoo, comb and brush Sisters’ hair.
• Escort Sisters to the bathroom as necessary.
• Assist with use of bedpans; assist on and off commode; empty and clean commodes.
• Empty catheter bags.
• Record intake and output as indicated.
• Fill and clean water pitchers and glasses.
• Change bed linens and soiled linens as needed. Place soiled linens in proper containers.
• Answer call bells promptly and courteously.
• Ensure that call bell is within reach for the Sister at all times.
• Assist Sisters with walking as needed.
• Measure height and weight. Record as directed by charge nurse.
• Transfer, lift and transport Sisters per wheel chair, geriatric chair or stretcher.
• Use the mechanical lift as indicated.
• Use side rails as necessary for safety. Ensure side rails are up at all times as indicated.
• Apply hot and cold applications as prescribed.
• Collect urine specimen as directed by the nurse.
• Provide range of motion (ROM) exercises.
• Prepare Sisters for the reception of the sacraments.
• Assist in the care of the body after death.
• Shelve clean linen neatly. Collect and transport soiled linens to the laundry. Make sure adequate supplies are in Sister’s rooms.
• Attend and participate in meetings and in-service sessions.
• Report supplies that need to be ordered.
• Perform special duties and related tasks and errands as assigned
• Keep Sisters’ rooms, medical room, linen room and service areas neat and clean.
• Wash Sisters personal laundry, take soiled linens to main laundry
• Take trash to dumpster
• Know how to read “fire panel” and what to do in case of fire / tornado, other emergencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• On the job training is provided for this position.
• Physical demands: Ability to stand or walk. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and lift. Ability to push, pull and lift over 100 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• On scheduled days
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled.

ACCOUNTABLITY

• The Nurse Assistant is directly responsible to the Charge Nurse.