About This Role
Caring for patients in the Intensive Care Unit is the core of this nursing assistant role, which involves assisting registered nurses with daily patient care, documentation, and maintaining a safe and organized environment. This position suits a compassionate individual who can effectively communicate with patients and families and manage various tasks in a fast-paced medical setting.
Responsibilities
- Assist RN with daily care of patients including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders and ambulation, which may include use of therapeutic assistive devices, proper positioning, range of motion, and special transferring as indicated
- Measure and document blood pressures, TPRs (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration), I & O (Intake and Output), daily weights, and other patient data as requested
- Document accurately in Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
- Perform purposeful rounding under direction of RN and promptly communicate observations, concerns, and needs of patient/family to RN
- Participate in admission, transfer, and discharge process under supervision of RN including room set up, orientation to room, removing linen, and proper management of patient belongings
- Ensure patient call light is always in reach of patient and answer call-lights promptly
- Collect urine, stool, and sputum specimens and perform point-of-care testing as indicated using approved process for accurate specimen labeling and identification
- Complete various errands as directed including pick-up and delivery of trays, charts, specimens, and reports
- Maintain and order stock for nursing area
- Clean equipment and work areas
- Perform various patient positioning and transporting duties which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique and assistive devices
- Perform tasks related to nutritional needs of patient under direction of RN to include diet review, tray set up/removal, proper positioning, and diet selection
- Perform tasks related to maintaining skin integrity to include proper repositioning and skin care
- Ensure special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose and sequential compression devices
- Remove IVs, provide post mortem care, and bladder scans under the direction of RN and as determined by site/unit requirements
- Practice within policies and procedures of infection prevention by demonstrating hand hygiene and knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials, and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with patients in isolation
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures
