Nursing Care Assistant I (CNA) - Project Sunshine Therapeutic Mobility Program

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nursing Care Assistant I is a patient care support partner with the Registered Nurse and or Licensed Practical Nurse and performs work as delegated. In this assignment, the Nursing Care Assistant I supports Project Sunshine activities by assisting with patient mobility, transport, and engagement, including walking, wheelchair assisted outings, and bed based transport to approved indoor and outdoor locations. The Nursing Care Assistant I provides direct patient care, supports patient comfort and safety, and documents care appropriately in the electronic health record or approved tracking tools. Project Sunshine is a structured therapeutic mobility and engagement program that supports long stay and high risk patients across inpatient units. These patients may experience cognitive impairment, behavioral disturbance, or complex medical conditions that increase the risk for agitation, isolation, and prolonged hospitalization. Through supervised outdoor time, mobility activities, and meaningful human interaction, the program supports patient comfort, engagement, and a calming care environment. The position is managed within Inpatient Nursing Operations and works collaboratively with nursing and behavioral health staff to support patient safety, comfort, and well being. Nursing Care Assistants assigned to support Project Sunshine work across multiple inpatient units. The program operates seven days per week and relies on consistent staffing to safely support patients who benefit from therapeutic mobility and engagement.

Requirements

Currently listed as a Nursing Assistant I (NA I) with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation with no substantiated findings of abuse, fraud, neglect or misappropriation of property.
BCLS certification must be maintained/completed by the end of new hire orientation, which typically takes place during the first week of employment.
Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients.
Working knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene and basic health and safety precautions applicable to work in a hospital.
Working knowledge of the organization and physical layout of the hospital.
Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions.
Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking. This position is very active and requires standing, walking,bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing all day.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and hospital staff.
Working knowledge of principles and practices of providing non-professional bedside patient care.

Nice To Haves

The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 35 pounds with assistance or appropriate lift equipment.
Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing may be required.

Responsibilities

Prepare patients, equipment and supplies for specific procedures and provide manual assistance as required.
Obtain and record patient data for medical records noting and informing RN/LPN of information collected.
Administer treatment and personal care procedures to patients including, but not limited to, feeding, bathing, hair care, changing clothing, nail care, bed-making, assisting with ambulation, enemas, skin care, and bowel and bladder elimination; provide such additional care as required to meet the personal needs and comfort of assigned patients.
Participate in teaching activities by reinforcing teaching instructed by RN and/or providers as needed.
Assist providers and nurses with physical examinations by helping position patients, changing non-sterile dressing and weighing patients.
Take and record vital signs, record I&O, and apply ice bags. Note and report any changes in patient's condition.
Turn and position patients, set up and feed patients as necessary, provide patients with fresh drinking water.
Perform fingersticks for blood glucose testing, with appropriate training, document and notify RN/LPN.
Assist with admission, discharge, and transportation of patients.
Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.
Collect, deliver and conduct routine tests on patient specimens.
Clean assigned area; stock and replenish supplies and equipment as required.
Participate in own professional development by maintaining required skills validation and attending educational offerings.
Support the development of other staff and formal learners.
May also perform clean dressing change for wounds over 48 hours old.
Perform other related duties incidental to work described herein.