Nursing Assistant

Westchester Medical Center•Kingston, NY

About The Position

Provides assistance to nursing staff to maximize care for patients and families. Delivers daily physical and emotional care, assists licensed personnel as directed, follows the plan of care after nursing assessment, and completes procedures within scope of practice and in accordance with current standards, guidelines, and policies. Documents patient information in records or computer systems according to policy, observes patients, and reports relevant information or changes to the nurse. The role includes patient-care tasks such as obtaining and documenting vital signs, pulse oximetry, intake and output, heights and weights, point-of-care testing, specimen collection, catheter care, non-sterile dressing changes, and assistance with nutrition and mobility. It also involves setting up oxygen and suction equipment, performing EKGs, applying telemetry, assisting with procedures, and supporting patients and staff during emergencies. Phlebotomy is performed as directed by an RN in the ED; surgical scrub-tech competency applies in O.B. The assistant helps maintain supplies and equipment, keeps the work environment orderly, and supports compliance with hospital policies, patient confidentiality, and infection-control precautions. The Nursing Assistant communicates professionally with physicians, coworkers, supervisors, and ancillary departments; participates in unit and team huddles and continuous quality improvement activities; and serves as a preceptor and mentor for Nursing Assistant I's and II's. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
One year of experience working as a nursing assistant preferred.
BLS preferred.
CNA certification 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 according to policy, including vital signs, pulse oximetry, intake and output, heights and weights, and point-of-care testing results.
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 close observation, including sitter duties when required.
Follow the plan of care after nursing assessment and complete procedures within scope of practice and according to current standards, guidelines, and policies.
Perform non-sterile dressing changes; empty post-operative drainage devices and Foley bags; provide Foley catheter care; remove Foley catheters; and apply external catheters.
Set up oxygen and suction equipment; apply pulse oximeters and telemetry; and perform EKGs.
Assist with weights, patient feeding, specimen collection, ice bags or packs, sitz baths, restraints, Flow-tron devices, TED stockings, special equipment, cooling and warming devices, and lifting and transporting equipment.
Set up and remove traction and store traction equipment.
Assist with procedures within scope of practice and perform assisting duties for the person performing the procedure.
Observe patients with minimal disturbance, protect patient privacy, ensure accurate patient identification, and report relevant information or changes to the nurse, including physical, cultural, age-specific, emotional, pain, and IV needs.
Answer call lights and assist with patient discharge and transport.
Assist in emergency situations, including chest compressions, RRT and code blue situations, lifting patients after falls, and providing 1:1 sitter coverage when needed.
Understand and comply with isolation and standard precautions, perform routine hand hygiene, and use gloves when having patient contact.
Participate in unit and team huddles and Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Communicate professionally with physicians and coworkers, maintain effective working relationships, cooperate with shift supervisors, and follow the chain of command.
Keep the work environment neat and tidy; send equipment needing repair to BioMed; maintain stock and order supplies when necessary.
Monitor the work environment for DNV Environment of Care compliance according to hospital policies and procedures.
Know the location of other departments to help procure equipment and supplies, and convey communications between ancillary departments and nursing floors.
Maintain patient confidentiality and demonstrate knowledge of emergency situations and appropriate escalation channels.
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 ED.
Demonstrate competency as a surgical scrub tech in O.B.
Demonstrate competency and knowledge in handling unit-specific equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.