Healthcare Support Specialist - Per Diem - Long-Term Care (Hiring Immediately)

Job Summary :

The Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) plays a critical role in providing direct and indirect patient care and assisting healthcare professionals in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for patients. LNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of patients. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, vital signs monitoring, patient mobility, and maintaining patient hygiene. The LNA's contribution to the healthcare team is essential for delivering high-quality patient care and promoting a positive patient experience.

Reporting Relationships :

Reports to the Director of Nursing and Unit Managers

May be directed by Unit RN, Unit LPN, or Nurse Supervisors.

Job Requirements :

Education : LNA, licensed in Vermont.

Experience : Previous health care experience preferred.

Knowledge / Special Skills :

CPR certification preferred.

Medical terminology certification or education preferred.

Past experience with electronic health records and Microsoft applications preferred.

Ability to solve simple problems.

Confidentiality : It is an expectation that all employees at The University of Vermont Health Network - Porter Medical Center will protect the confidentiality of all patient care, personnel, and business / financial information. Employees will demonstrate their confidentiality knowledge through the use of a self-study information package and test.

Compliance : Employees will complete required competencies, annual mandatory training requirements and adhere to the code of conduct as described in The University of Vermont Health Network - Porter Medical Center Compliance Plan and brochure. In addition, the individual in this position can provide care and support to all age groups or patients in his / her assigned practice / work area based on physical / psychosocial, educational, safety and related criteria.

Provides specific aspects of direct patient care as delegated by the Registered Nurse and determined by the Vermont State Board of Nursing LNA Scope of Practice.

Personal care, including bathing, mouth care, toileting.

Answers call light.

Properly positions and turns patient.

Ensures safe ROM on all patients : ambulation, transfers, active / passive ROM, positioning.

Assists with feeding of patient.

Seeks advice and assistance in problem solving, prioritizing from the Registered Nurse.

Performs other duties as delegated by RN and within scope of practice.

Assists with exams and tests.

Performs technical procedures in accordance with hospital policy.

Provides proper skin care.

Takes vital signs.

Performs point of care testing (i.e. blood glucose)

Performs routine specimen collection including urine, sputum, feces, and bodily drainage.

Drains / empties tubes.

Performs EKGs if competency validated.

Under direct supervision of medical provider, can apply a plaster immobilization device (splint) if competency validated.

Any other technical tasks with verified competence.

Ensures all written and electronic documentation as required by the organization and the Department are accurate and complete

Document all appropriate patient information in a timely manner.

Ensure appropriate signs and symptoms are recorded.

Approve timecard bi-weekly.

Maintains confidentiality of all patient information.

Maintains a safe, comfortable environment for patients and families in accordance with hospital standards

Reinforces the educational needs of patients and families.

Assists in the orientation of patient and patient's family to the unit.

Actively facilitates high level of patient satisfaction.

Assists in the transportation of patients within the unit and inter- departmentally.

Coordinates with unit leadership to maintain an organized and well stocked nursing unit.

Orders supplies in a timely and fiscally responsible manner.

Performs errands and assists with the transportation of supplies within unit and inter-departmentally.

Performs general housekeeping to ensure cleanliness of unit environment.

Ensures equipment availability and facilitates maintenance as necessary.

Proficiently utilizes the global and external ordering system.

Call Pharmacy for stat meds and scans med orders.

Schedules appointments and tests for patients.

Provides test results to physicians / nurses.

Obtains Lab results.

Enhance professional growth and development.

Reinforces the educational needs of patients and families.

Attend and participate in all departmental staff meetings.

Participates in training of students during their clinical rotation.

Participates in mentoring and training of new employees.

Complete competencies yearly.

Complete yearly Hospital Mandatories.

Seeks advice and assistance in problem solving, prioritizing, and carrying out assigned tasks.

Maintains awareness of patients rights to privacy.