Nights

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Duke Health is seeking a Nursing Care Assistant (NCA) to join the Orthopedic - Neuro/Spine Stepdown Unit (3700) at Duke Raleigh Hospital. This unit, located in the new South Pavilion, has 32 inpatient beds and focuses on post-operative spine patients (ortho-spine and neuro-spine), as well as patients with stroke or neurology-related procedures. The unit also cares for a specific population of pediatric adolescents undergoing spine surgery and occasionally absorbs overflow orthopedic joint surgical patients and general medicine patients. The team is committed to "Zero Harm" through exceptional patient care and customer service. The NCA will work as a patient care support partner with Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), performing delegated tasks and providing direct patient care. This role involves assisting with non-direct patient care unit coordination, maintaining basic care and comfort standards, and understanding the needs of the patient population. The NCA will assist the RN in caring for acutely ill patients, practicing medical asepsis, respecting patient dignity and privacy, and acknowledging cultural differences. They are expected to adhere to policies and procedures, respond to emergencies, maintain the patient/family environment, perform general unit upkeep, and order equipment and supplies as needed. Accurate verbal and written communication, including documentation in the electronic health record, is essential. The role also involves performing clerical duties related to patient, unit, and hospital data and records, including operating patient care information systems. Individuals in this role are typically scheduled for NCA I shifts at a minimum of 25% of the time.

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.
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

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 a variety of clerical tasks involved in operating the organization's patient care information system.
Acknowledge orders on EMR task list, verify printout and input verified orders to request diets, treatments, nursing services, equipment and diagnostic and laboratory tests and procedures.
Assemble and maintain patient charts from admission through discharge.
Prepare and upload paper documents into the electronic medical record (EMR).
Navigate electronic medical record, access patient information, generate reports, schedule appointments and manage task list.
Assign nursing staff to communication systems.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.