Nursing Assistant - Inpatient Rehab - Carlisle

UPMC•Carlisle, PA

17h

About The Position

The Nursing Assistant provides direct patient care as directed by the registered nurse, supporting activities of daily living and patient safety, comfort, and recovery. The role includes assisting with bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulation, turning and repositioning, and transportation, as well as performing nursing-assistant core duties such as blood glucose testing, weights, vital signs, intake and output, specimen collection, Foley care, telemetry monitor application or reapplication, and restraint placement or removal as permitted by protocol. The position may include one-on-one companionship and supervision of patients. The Nursing Assistant maintains clean, organized, and safe patient rooms and department areas; completes safety checks; changes linens; handles linen hampers; cleans department-specific equipment; and keeps hallways clear. The role also supports care delivery by acquiring and distributing supplies and equipment, stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas, delivering nourishments, filling water pitchers, distributing mail, and completing messenger and clerical tasks. The position communicates patient-care feedback and changes in patient status to the RN, documents care according to established procedures, responds to call lights and telephones, assists with meal trays and patient transport, and responds to emergent situations within the scope of the nursing assistant role. It requires adherence to safety policies, standard precautions, blood-borne pathogen procedures, patient-care policies, and confidentiality practices. Medication access is limited to distributing medication to the nurse. The assistant is expected to receive feedback constructively, identify learning needs, seek assistance with planning and prioritizing, take steps to improve performance, and contribute to effective working relationships and department operations. Title and starting pay rate may vary based on years of experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Successful completion of the UPMC nursing assistant training program.
Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
CPR required based on AHA standards, including didactic and skills demonstration components, within 30 days of hire.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care as directed by the RN, including activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, repositioning, and transporting patients.
Perform nursing-assistant core duties, including blood glucose testing, weights, vital signs, intake and output, specimen collection, Foley care, telemetry monitor application or reapplication, and restraint placement and removal as permitted by protocol.
Maintain a safe environment by completing safety checks, keeping patient rooms and department areas clean and organized, cleaning department-specific equipment, changing bed linens, emptying linen hampers, and keeping hallways clear of equipment.
Acquire and distribute supplies and equipment, perform messenger functions, order or charge/credit supplies, set up patient-care equipment within the role's scope, and stock patient rooms and unit supply areas.
Deliver patient nourishments, fill water pitchers, distribute patient mail, pass meal trays, and assist with patient transportation.
Provide feedback to the RN about patient care and report changes in patient status.
Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints when permitted by physician or hospital protocol; provide diversional activities to reduce or prevent restraint use.
Provide one-on-one companionship or supervision for patients as required.
Respond to call lights and telephones and contribute to universal unit activities.
Document in the medical record according to established procedures and complete clerical functions as needed.
Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
Comply with safety policies and procedures, including standard precautions and blood-borne pathogen exposure procedures; adhere to patient-care and hospital-information policies.
Respond to emergent situations within the scope of the nursing assistant role.
Receive feedback and direction constructively, communicate learning needs, seek assistance with planning and prioritizing, and take action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
Communicate clearly with the health care team and develop productive, professional, and respectful working relationships.
Support workplace safety, demonstrate accountability and commitment to patients and colleagues, and contribute to department changes and efficient operations.