Nursing Assistant

Westchester Medical Center • Kingston, NY

6d

About The Position

The Nursing Assistant provides daily physical and emotional care to patients and supports licensed personnel in accordance with the plan of care, scope of practice, current standards, guidelines, and hospital policies. The role includes collecting and documenting patient information, assisting with procedures, observing and reporting changes in patient needs, and supporting patient safety, privacy, and comfort. The Nursing Assistant also helps maintain unit equipment and supplies, participates in team activities and quality improvement, and may precept and mentor other Nursing Assistants. Additional duties may include phlebotomy in the Emergency Department and surgical scrub-tech duties in Obstetrics.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One year of experience working as a nursing assistant is preferred.
• BLS is preferred.
• CNA certification is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience working as a nursing assistant.
• BLS certification.
• CNA certification.

Responsibilities

• Document patient information in records or computer systems, including vital signs, pulse oximetry, intake and output, weights, heights, point-of-care testing results, and other information gathered, consistent with policies.
• Review the Intervention List with the Primary RN to understand pertinent patient needs and plans for the day.
• Provide daily physical and emotional care to patients and provide close observation when a sitter is required.
• Complete procedures within scope of practice and according to current standards, guidelines, and policies; follow the plan of care after nursing assessment.
• Perform non-sterile dressing changes; empty postoperative drainage devices and Foley bags; provide Foley catheter care; remove Foley catheters; and apply external catheters.
• Set up oxygen and suction equipment; apply pulse oximetry and telemetry; perform EKGs; and set up and remove traction equipment and store it appropriately.
• Assist with weights using standing and bed scales; set up patients for nutrition and assist with feeding; collect stool, sputum, and urine specimens, including clean-catch and 24-hour specimens; and provide ice bags or packs and sitz baths.
• Apply patient restraints, Flow-tron devices, and TED stockings; use special equipment, cooling and warming devices, and lifting and transporting devices, including Maxi Slide and Hoyer lifts.
• Participate in unit and team huddles; communicate professionally with physicians and coworkers; maintain effective working relationships; cooperate with shift supervisors; and follow the chain of command.
• Assist licensed personnel as directed and set up procedures and perform assisting duties for individuals performing procedures within scope of practice.
• Keep the work environment neat and tidy; send equipment needing repair to BioMed; maintain stock and order supplies when necessary; and monitor the work environment for DNV Environment of Care compliance under hospital policies and procedures.
• Know the locations of other departments to help obtain necessary equipment and supplies, and convey communications between ancillary departments and nursing floors.
• Answer call lights; assist with patient discharge transport; and assist in emergencies, including chest compressions, rapid response and code blue situations, lifting patients after falls, and supporting patients who require a one-to-one sitter.
• Observe and report relevant patient information or changes to the nurse, including physical limitations, cultural, age-specific, emotional, pain, and IV needs.
• Ensure accurate patient identification, protect patient privacy, closely observe patients with minimal disturbance, maintain confidentiality, and comply with isolation and standard precautions, including routine handwashing and glove use when in patient contact.
• Demonstrate knowledge of emergency situations, including code blue, and recognize and follow the chain of command, including the Clinical Leader and off-shift supervisors.
• Actively participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and serve as a preceptor and mentor for Nursing Assistant I's and Nursing Assistant II's.
• Perform phlebotomy as directed by an RN in the Emergency Department only.
• Perform surgical scrub-tech duties in Obstetrics only, if competent.
• Demonstrate competency and knowledge in handling unit-specific equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED