Nursing Assistant

Overview

The Nurse Aide is responsible for performing basic nursing procedures in assisting in the care of patients.

Responsibilities

• Provides personal care including bathing, shampooing, shaving, back rubs, positioning patients, making beds, preparing patients for meals, feeding patients, and passing ice water.

• Answers all signal lights and bells promptly to determine and meet patient needs.

• Collects specimens, including stool, urine, and sputum samples.

• Collects and records intake and output accurately.

• Collects and records vital signs and obtains pertinent patient information in accordance with hospital policy.

• Assists and/or feeds patients, provides between-meal nourishment, provides fresh drinking water, and encourages fluid intake when indicated.

• Assists with patient ambulation by wheelchair, stretcher, and bed.

• Administers enemas, douches, and inserts rectal tubes as directed and documents appropriately.

• Applies ace bandages and elastic stockings and prepares hot water bottles, ice bags, pads, and humidifiers.

• Provides care for Foley catheters and Levine tubes as instructed by nursing staff.

• Applies condom drains, scrotal suspensories, unsterile compresses, and binders.

• Provides postmortem care and transports deceased patients to the morgue.

• Applies restraints and side rails to ensure patient safety.

• Observes isolation precautions and provides direct patient care to patients in isolation.

• Assists with colostomy care.

• Sets up orthopedic appliances.

• Runs errands, delivers messages, and answers telephones.

• Maintains a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

• Observes and reports safety hazards and prepares incident reports as required.

• Prepares patients for surgery, x-ray procedures, and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

• Prepares patients for examination and treatment by:

• Remaining with patients unless relieved.

• Providing necessary equipment and supplies and adjusting lighting as needed.

• Cleaning and restocking treatment areas, supplies, and equipment.

• Assists in orienting new patients to their surroundings.

• Assists in maintaining a sanitary and safe environment in patient care and nursing areas.

• Participates in team conferences, in-service education programs, and staff meetings.

• Assists other hospital employees as needed, including returning patients from the Recovery Room, x-ray, and other departments when indicated.

• Assists with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Successful completion of a hospital-approved Nursing Aide Training Program.

Experience

• Three (3) months of on-the-job training required to attain proficiency in assigned duties and responsibilities.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to perform assigned patient care duties safely and effectively.

• Additional training may be required for assignment to specific patient care areas.

Licenses & Certifications

• Competency listing with the State of Kentucky may be required for positions working in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF).