Unit Support Associate (LGH B41, FT, 7p-7a)

Centra Health•Lynchburg, VA

11d

About The Position

This is a multi-skilled position involving patient care and clerical duties. Under the direction and supervision of a licensed professional nurse, the Certified Nursing Aide–Unit Support Associate provides care appropriate to the patient population and daily routine care needs, following the unit’s care delivery model. The role collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to deliver care as outlined by the nurse. Depending on unit needs, the associate may also serve as a health unit coordinator or monitor technician, perform secretarial or clerical duties for unit leadership, or serve in another specialized capacity. The role supports Centra’s quality and service practices, maintains a safe patient environment, and contributes to a healthy work environment. Practice must reflect the laws and regulations for Certified Nurse Aides in Virginia. The posting also includes addenda describing requirements or duties for Certified Nursing Aide roles on the Resource Team/Centra Internal Travel Team, at Stroobants, in Home Health, and in Hospice. These include additional experience and, for certain roles, a valid Virginia driver’s license or specialized duties.

Requirements

Successfully complete a state-approved Nurse Aide education program.
Be certified as a Nurse Aide by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Hold a current, active AHA BLS Provider course completion card.
Resource Team/Centra Internal Travel Team addendum: at least one year of recent acute care experience.
Stroobants addendum: one year of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a valid Virginia driver’s license.
Home Health addendum: at least one year of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a valid Virginia driver’s license.
Hospice addendum: at least one year of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Responsibilities

Provide and document patient care under the direction of a registered or licensed practical nurse and according to the plan of care, including assistance with meals, bathing, ambulation, toileting, turning, and repositioning.
Check and record vital signs and document patient intake and output.
Promote patient comfort by answering call lights when applicable and communicating observations and patient needs to nursing staff.
Assist with safe and efficient admissions, transfers, and discharges.
Respect patient comfort, privacy, and dignity while providing care.
Maintain a clean and safe unit and patient environment that protects patients from harm.
Communicate and collaborate with staff, families, and other departments in a timely and effective manner, serving as a liaison when needed.
Coordinate communications involving incoming calls, pages, the nurse call light system, and other communication methods.
Follow organizational policies and procedures when delivering care and interacting with caregivers.
When applicable to the work area, handle medications delivered by Pharmacy and transport them to appropriate storage or to an employee qualified to administer them.
Apply unit service-excellence practices when interacting with patients, visitors, physicians, and colleagues.
Use time, people, supplies, and other resources cost-effectively.
Participate in quality and performance improvement initiatives and provide care consistent with regulatory and legal standards.
Practice Centra safety behaviors.
Address conflict-resolution opportunities appropriately and in a timely, consistent manner.
Pursue professional development through self-appraisal, academic credits, and/or attendance at educational programs.
For the Stroobants role described in the addendum, assist with cardiac monitoring, including monitor placement and patient education about the equipment.
For the Home Health role described in the addendum, provide ordered hands-on personal care and other permitted aide services, report changes in patient condition to an appropriate skilled professional, complete required records, and complete at least 12 hours of in-service training each 12-month period.