Inpatient Nursing Assistant

Department of Veterans Affairs•Birmingham, AL

85d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on the inpatient units, resource management, and in the escort department in Patient Care Service. Incumbents in this position are responsible for the entire scope of patient care, to include direct patient care, patient admission, discharge, transfer, errand duties, and delivery of medical supplies/equipment when needed. All duties performed will be completed under close supervision with appropriate training and competencies for assigned task.

Responsibilities

Bathes patients and changes linens
Positions patient and provides pillows and blankets for comfort; adheres to turning schedules
Prepares patient for safe transport; providing comfort, safety and dignity. Transports patients safely
Fills water pitchers
Measures and records vital signs, intake and outputs, weights and other measurements
Provides mouth, eye and nose care
Provides Foley catheter and peritoneal care.
Communicates all care with patient, giving special attention to details of care since patients are often too ill to provide care
Observes patient for changes in condition, such as color, respirations, drainage, level of consciousness etc., and reports changes to Registered Nurse assigned to care and/or Charge Nurse
Assists patient with bedpan and urinal
Provides 1:1 observation for patients at risk for suicide or harm per policy/procedure
Provides care to 1:1 patient
Checks restraints for proper application and patient comfort.
Keeps bedside and patient room neat and uncluttered.
Promotes a sense of worth and dignity to the patient by addressing him/her properly (Mr. / Mrs.) and in a courteous manner
Documents an flow sheets and in CPRS with clear description of observations and actions performed and patient responses
Varies order and sequence of assigned procedures based on patient condition and adjusts to changes in work assignment in a professional and pleasant manner
Properly collects specimens and assures proper labeling and security of lids and bagging in biohazard bag before sending for processing
Makes sure that the responsible person is aware of patient's and/or specimen's arrival before leaving the unit
Assures that patients arrive at designated areas for tests and/or treatments on time.
Transports and remains with patients when sent to other departments within the facility.
Utilizes the ticket to ride for patient transport and ensures handoff
Takes care of patient's non-routine care and comfort needs.
Provides careful observation to ensure that intravenous fluids; oxygen, nasal gastric, urinary and/or other drainage tubing or chest tubes remain intact.
Performs complex dressing changes with application of simple ointments.
Reports any problems to the Registered Nurse and/orCharge Nurse
Provides and/or assists with emergency care (initiates CPR, applies pressure to bleeding sites, positions patients on side if vomiting occurs, etc.)
Uses universal precaution and isolation techniques to protect the patient and others against infection.
Reports and records significant data on proper forms, and in CPRS accurately and completely. Reports and records significant data regarding changes in patient condition when indicated.
Communicates effectively with all levels of health care personnel, patients, visitors, families, etc. in person and via telephone, using proper terminology and speaking in a professional manner
Participates in hourly rounds, ensure the patient environment is safe from clutter, bedside table and essential items are within reach, call light is within reach, toileting and positioning needs are met
Obtains places and manages telemetry boxes and leads per established policy and procedure.
Secures patients properly in wheelchairs and/or stretchers for safe, comfortable transport and ensures patient is fully covered.
Uses sound body mechanics and safe patient handling equipment
Assists the patient in the use of assistive devices as indicated and recognizes patient's post-operative and post-procedural needs.
Will appropriately utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned patient
Maintains a positive therapeutic relationships by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills.
Begins to utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations
Complies with infection control guidelines, such as hand washing, restocking gloves, replacing sharps containers and keeping work surfaces clean.
Properly disposes of soiled/contaminated dressings and linens in the appropriate receptacle.
Participates in facility, service and unit performance improvement activities.
Implements recommendations from surveys and monitors to achieve maximum patient satisfaction.