Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistant

Title and starting pay rate of this position may vary based on years of experience. Responsibilities include :

• Providing direct patient care as directed by the RN including all activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, and ambulating patients.
• Maintaining an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including completing safety checks, keeping the department and patient rooms clean and organized, cleaning department specific equipment, changing bed linens, emptying linen hampers, keeping hallways clear of equipment, and returning equipment.
• Acquiring and distributing supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including performing messenger functions, ordering, charging / crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the nursing assistant position, and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas.
• Delivering patient nourishments, filling water pitchers, and distributing patient mail.
• Performing the UPMC nursing core responsibilities for nursing assistants : blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections, and Foley care.
• Providing feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reporting changes in patient status.
• May apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints per physician or hospital protocol.
• Constructively receiving feedback and direction.
• Identifying and communicating learning needs to the unit director.
• Taking action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Requesting assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
• Participating in self-review as requested by the unit director.
• Demonstrating the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
• Demonstrating understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions.
• Caring for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
• Developing and maintaining productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Suggesting and supporting changes within the department.
• Assuming responsibility for assignment and viewing problems as challenges.
• Demonstrating awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
• Assurance that equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
• Establishing appropriate and effective communication strategies.
• Establishing professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
• Contributing to the universal unit activities including responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients.
• Providing diversional activities to reduce or prevent use of restraints.
• Documenting in the medical record according to established procedures.
• Completing clerical functions as needed by department.
• Complying with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understanding policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure.
• Strictly adhering to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital related information.
• Responding within the scope of the nursing assistant role to emergent situations.
• Providing companionship / supervision one on one with patients as required.

High school diploma or GED. Successful completion of UPMC nursing assistant training program. Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances : CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Act 34 UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran.