Nursing Care Assistant

Reid Health

About The Position

Under the supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Nursing Care Assistant provides basic daily patient care, processes physicians’ orders, answers telephone and intercom calls, performs clerical and clinical tasks, and carries out other assigned unit duties. The assistant must demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to provide care appropriate to the ages of the patients served. This list of duties is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other responsibilities management deems necessary.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be willing to obtain Basic Life Support (BLS).
For work-based learning opportunities, must have completed graduation requirements and provide a letter from the school confirming this.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in an acute or long-term health care setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide basic daily patient care under the supervision and guidance of an RN.
Process physicians’ orders; answer telephone and intercom calls; perform clerical duties and other assigned unit duties.
Use computer and software programs, medical terminology, unit communication equipment, EHR and resource systems competently.
Follow code procedures, infection-control policy and hand-hygiene practices, attendance policy, hospital standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Call staff as directed; transport patients; coordinate care with other disciplines; use appropriate resources; and report information and observations promptly to the appropriate nurse.
Initiate and maintain records and reports; organize medical records according to universal chart order; thin charts and prepare discharged records for pickup; initiate work orders; and post reports on charts.
Ensure documentation is accurate, timely, legible, thorough, grammatically correct, appropriately punctuated, and compliant with department and regulatory standards; include date, time, and signature, use only hospital-approved abbreviations, and document observational and purposeful rounding.
Maintain privacy of medical records and patient information.
Manage time, avoid unjustified overtime, notify the supervisor when overtime may occur, assist team members, and collaborate on cost-effective solutions and workflow improvements.
Participate in team huddles and check-backs; resolve conflicts professionally; accept direction and feedback; adapt to changes; support unit goals and hospital initiatives; and help cover shift shortages as needed.
Build trust with patients and customers through introductions, active listening, positive body language, explanations, updates, timely responses, communication boards, and professional communication; uphold Relationship-Based Care and accommodate cultural, spiritual, and emotional needs.
Perform observational and purposeful rounding and help promote a healing environment, including a quiet, clean, soothing room and methods such as therapeutic touch or massage, music therapy, and aromatherapy.
Obtain and record vital signs and other measurements; provide baths, skin care, personal hygiene, and backrubs; assist with feeding and record intake and output; and ensure food and fluids are available.
Assist with admissions, transfers, and discharges; prepare rooms for admissions, including isolation rooms; respond promptly to care needs, requests, and call lights.
Apply ice packs, restraints, and binders; collect specimens as directed; empty appropriate drainage devices; provide post-mortem care and urinary catheter care; assist with bedpans and urinals; and perform shave preparation using clippers.
Assemble equipment and supplies for diagnostic or treatment procedures performed by a physician or nurse; share responsibility for proper use and care of equipment and supplies and for unit cleanliness; empty linen hampers.
Participate in Unit Practice Councils, unit or department meetings, unit updates, Kaizens, or other assigned committees, and offer constructive feedback.