Nursing Care Assistant I - Medical ICU (Nights)

Nursing Care Assistant I - Medical ICU (Nights)

The Nursing Assistant (NA) is a patient care support partner with the Registered Nurse (RN) and / or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and performs work as delegated by the RN or LPN. The NA provides direct care to patients and assists with non-direct patient care unit coordination. The individual in this position is expected to perform basic care and comfort standards as well as have knowledge of the patient population needs in the assigned work area.

In addition, the NA is expected to assist the RN / LPN in the care of acutely ill patients. This individual is expected to practice medical asepsis, respect the dignity and privacy of every patient and family, and to respect cultural differences during patient care. They are expected to know and adhere to all basic policies and procedures and respond appropriately during emergency situations. They are expected to maintain the patient / family environment, perform general unit upkeep, order and maintain unit equipment, and order supplies as needed, with or without direct supervision. The NA is expected to use accurate verbal and written communication and to document patient care appropriately in the electronic health record.

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 other related duties incidental to work described herein.

Education : Completion of a Level I - Nurse Aide education program approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing or successful completion of the NC - approved Nurse Aide I competency test.

Experience : No previous work experience required. Prior experience preferred.

Degrees, Licensure, and / or Certification : Currently listed as a Nursing Assistant I (NA I) with the Division of Facility Services 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : 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. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 35 pounds with assistance or appropriate lift equipment. 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. Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing may be required.