Nursing Assistant - Intermediate Care Unit (Harrisburg Hospital)

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Nursing Assistant in an Intermediate Care Unit at Harrisburg Hospital. The role involves providing direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, assisting patients with daily living activities, and maintaining a safe and organized patient environment. Key responsibilities include managing supplies and equipment, performing core nursing assistant duties such as vital signs and specimen collection, and documenting patient information. The successful candidate will also be expected to communicate effectively with the healthcare team, adhere to safety protocols, and contribute to a productive working environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Successful completion of UPMC nursing assistant training program.
Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
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 clearance.
Work permit required if under 18 years of age.

Nice To Haves

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides direct patient care as directed by the RN including all activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting and ambulating patients.
Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including 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.
Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including 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.
Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers and distributes patient mail.
Performs the UPMC nursing core responsibilities for nursing assistants: blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care.
Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status.
May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints per physician or hospital protocol.
Constructively receives feedback and direction.
Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director.
Takes action to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions.
Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
Suggests and supports changes within the department.
Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges.
Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
Establishes appropriate and effective communication strategies.
Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
Contributes to the universal unit activities including responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays and transporting patients.
Provides diversional activities to reduce or prevent use of restraints.
Documents in the medical record according to established procedures.
Completes clerical functions as needed by department.
Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understands policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure.
Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital related information.
Responds within the scope of the nursing assistant role to emergent situations.
Provide companionship/supervision one in one with patients as required.
Performs the UPMC nursing core responsibilities for nursing assistants: ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients. PLUS point of care testing (inc. blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) & patient safety indicator prevention, urine specimen collection, restraint placement and removal, and ticket to ride (intra-hospital transportation).
Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.