Nursing Attendant - Telemetry/Observation

WellSpan Health•Chambersburg, PA

About The Position

The Nursing Attendant works as an integral member of the patient care team in a 30-bed Telemetry/Observation unit that specializes in cardiac, medical, and surgical patients. Under the direction of a licensed nurse, the attendant performs selected patient care treatments and tasks for which they are trained, and is accountable for their actions. The role includes recognizing physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes relevant to the age and population groups served. The position is full-time at 72 hours biweekly, working 12-hour night shifts from 6 to 6 and every third weekend. The unit provides an individualized, comprehensive orientation program, Basic Rhythm course, ACLS certification, NIHSS course, and a mentorship program after orientation. The position is eligible for a weekend differential.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent is preferred, or graduation from a nursing educational program.
Experience applying customer-service behaviors and communication skills is required.
Previous experience as a Nursing Attendant or Nurse Aide, completion of a nurse aide training program, or enrollment in a nursing educational program is required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or licensure is required.

Nice To Haves

High school graduate or equivalent, or graduate of a nursing educational program.

Responsibilities

Communicate pertinent information to the primary nurse.
Seek guidance and direction as needed to perform duties and complete assignments.
Help maintain a neat, clean, and safe environment for patients and nursing staff.
Attend 50% of in-services and staff meetings for the area.
Perform familiar duties independently, accurately, efficiently, and promptly, understanding their importance to patient care across age and population groups.
Receive instructions and follow directions accurately and cooperatively.
Observe changes in patient condition and promptly report them to the primary nurse.
Use proper body mechanics and safely position, transfer, and transport patients.
Help maintain patient-care equipment and report malfunctioning equipment to appropriate personnel.
Help orient new personnel to the unit, including serving as a preceptor or buddy.
Recognize and respond to patient-care priorities, adapt to workload changes, and work efficiently.
Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
Anticipate unit needs and promptly answer or respond to patient call lights, pages, and safety checks.
Assist with postmortem care and occasionally transport the body to the morgue.
Perform external cardiac compressions during Code Blue activities if required.
Transport medications within the hospital as requested and in accordance with hospital policy.
Complete patient activities of daily living (ADLs).
Apply patient electrodes and attach patients to the monitor upon arrival to the unit.
Perform 12-lead EKGs.
Complete 75% of age-specific newsletters yearly.
Cross-train to all Critical Care Department areas.