Nursing Care Assistant

Schedule: Day Shift. 36 hours weekly. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8am-8:30pm.

About the Position

Under the supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN) the Nursing Care Assistant is responsible to provide daily services involving basic care for patients, processing physicians’ orders, answering the telephone and intercom, performing a variety of clerical duties and clinical tasks as well as other assigned unit duties. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Proficient in using computer and software programs.
• Uses accurate medical terminology.
• Properly operates unit communication equipment.
• Follows Code Procedures.
• Adheres strictly to Infection Control Policy, with an emphasis on hand hygiene.
• Compliant with the attendance policy.
• Calls staff as directed.
• Transports patients.
• Coordinates care with other disciplines.
• Uses appropriate resources (e.g., Charge Nurse, Unit Manager, Directors, Administrative Coordinator, Pharmacy).
• Initiates and maintains records and reports.
• Organizes and maintains medical records in accordance with universal chart order.
• Thins charts and prepares discharged medical records for timely pickup.
• Initiates work orders.
• Posts reports on charts.
• Demonstrates good time management by avoiding unjustified overtime.
• Informs supervisor when overtime or incidental overtime may occur.
• Offers assistance to team members to maintain unit productivity (e.g., asking, "What may I do to help you leave on time?").
• Collaborates with the team and management to develop cost-effective solutions and improve workflow processes.
• Participates in team huddles and check-backs to proactively manage changes.
• Ensures documentation is accurate, precise, thorough, and meets department and regulatory standards, including date, time, and signature on all medical record entries.
• Maintains up-to-date documentation, charting in real time.
• Ensures documentation is legible, grammatically correct, and appropriately punctuated.
• Uses only hospital-approved abbreviations in documentation.
• Documents observational and purposeful rounding.
• Demonstrates competence in using all EHR and resource systems.
• Maintains accountability for the privacy of medical records and patient information.
• Works to resolve team conflicts professionally and offers to help others.
• Accepts team direction and remains open to constructive feedback.
• Adapts to changes in work assignments with flexibility.
• Actively supports unit goals, strategic plans, and participates in hospital initiatives.
• Responds to unit needs by adjusting schedules and covering shift shortages.
• Proactively looks for ways to reduce stress for self and team.
• Builds trust with customers by introducing self, actively listening, displaying positive body language, explaining procedures, and providing frequent updates.
• Anticipates and responds to customer needs, questions, and concerns in a timely manner.
• Performs observational and purposeful rounding.
• Utilizes communication boards in patient rooms.
• Promotes a healing and supportive environment through methods such as therapeutic touch/massage, music therapy, aromatherapy, maintaining a quiet space, eliminating offensive odors, and ensuring a soothing room environment (e.g., temperature and cleanliness).
• Communicates constructively and professionally in all interactions.
• Upholds Relationship-Based Care (RBC).
• Accommodates the cultural, spiritual and emotional needs of customers.
• Obtains and records vital signs and other measurements.
• Completes baths, skin care and personal hygiene (ADLs) including backrubs.
• Assures fluids and foods are available, assists with feeding activities and records patient’s intake and output.
• Assists with patient admissions/transfers/discharges.
• Sets up room for admission (including isolation rooms).
• Promptly responds to patient care needs, requests and call lights.
• Applies ice packs, restraints, binders.
• Obtains specimen collection as directed and empties appropriate drainage devices.
• Performs post-mortem care.
• Performs urinary catheter care.
• Assembles equipment and supplies in preparation for various diagnostic or treatment procedures performed by physician or nurse.
• Reports information and observations promptly to the appropriate nurse.
• Shares responsibility for preparation, proper use and care of equipment and supplies and for neatness and cleanliness of unit.
• Empties linen hampers.
• Assists patients with bedpans and urinals.
• Performs shave preps using clippers
• Volunteers and actively participates in Unit Practice Councils, unit/department meetings, unit updates, Kaizens or other committees as assigned and actively offers constructive feedback.
• Provides best-practice by following hospital standards of care, policies and procedures and regulatory requirements.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and can be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management deems necessary.

Education & Experience

• Minimum education required: High school diploma, or equivalent.
• Minimum experience preferred: 1 year experience in an acute or long term health care setting.
• For work-based learning opportunities, employee should have completed the requirements for graduation and provide a letter from their school that states this.

Licensure & Certification

Must be willing to obtain Basic Life Support (BLS).