Nursing Assistant L/D

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Summary:

• Provides patient care under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Adheres to Nursing Policies and Procedures and Organizational Goals and Objectives.
• Performs duties that support the operation of the nursing unit.

Responsibilities:

• Provides age appropriate care for the patient population served. For example, gives consideration to growth & developmental phase of life, to age related factors such as thermal regulation, nutrition, safety and functional needs of the patient.
• Role Development
• Integrates principles of infection control & infection prevention into practice.
• Uses resources and references for reviewing policies and procedures, information needed to complete job duties.
• Obtains vital signs and weights, and records.
• Bathes patients and provides assistance with hygiene. (Includes baths, mouth care, shaves males, combs hair, and washes patient’s hair as requested.)
• Informs RN when leaving the unit for any reason.
• Transports patients via wheelchair or stretcher using safety measures appropriate for patient and vehicle.
• Receives report and clarifies information as needed.
• Uses appropriate resources for patients with special needs such as language barriers, sensory problems, altered cognition, cultural and religious needs.
• Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives. For example, quality control measures, emergency equipment checks, nutrition area cleanliness, etc.
• Performs procedures within the scope of the Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Adheres to unit programs to support patient care such as maintaining a quiet environment, hourly patient rounds, customer service, etc.
• Departmental Support
• Assists patients with meals, feeds patients as needed.
• Attends staff meetings on a regular basis.
• Changes incontinent patients promptly and provides appropriate skin care.
• Collects and labels urine, stool, and sputum specimens as directed.
• Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using Soarian and paper documentation forms according to policy and procedure.
• Maintains equipment in working order. Uses equipment appropriately, follows Department policies for equipment and supply use, cleaning and maintenance.
• Prioritizes and organizes work effectively within assigned shift.
• Measures and records intake and output.
• Inventories patient belongings at admission, transfer and discharge.
• Provides fresh water at bedside as appropriate.
• Demonstrates verbal and writing skills that are appropriate for healthcare communication.
• Accepts constructive feedback about performance or behaviors and shows evidence of change.
• Performs assigned duties such as unit errands, stocking supplies, returning equipment to Central Supply, answering unit phone, etc.
• Supports the following organizational programs: Magnet®, Hospital of Distinction, Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification, and Nursing Councils. Performs job duties in accordance with these standards.
• Adheres to the Department of Nursing Dress Code.
• Seeks help from RN when needed.
• Communication
• Provides 1:1 patient supervision in “Sitter” role for patient safety and suicide precautions.
• Attends assigned committee meetings and contributes to the committees.
• Reinforces information to patients and family such as safety precautions for falls prevention, visiting hours, etc.
• Patient Care Responsibilities
• Changes bed linens for occupied and unoccupied beds.
• Distributes nourishments as scheduled.
• Communicates patient and unit information to the RN and interdisciplinary care team in a timely manner.
• Makes hourly rounds for patient safety and customer service.
• Applies chest leads for patients on remote telemetry monitoring, and performs basic troubleshooting, such as replacing loose or missing electrodes.
• Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new employees.
• Interacts with the patient in a manner that preserves patient dignity, privacy, and meets psychosocial needs of the patient.
• Informs the RN when experiencing difficulty completing an assignment.
• Positions patients correctly, align and support torso and limbs as directed and per patient comfort.
• Empties bedpans, urinals, commodes, and assists patient to the bathroom.
• Maintains attendance/lateness standards in accordance with Hospital policy.
• Introduces self to patient and explains procedures to patient and family.
• Keeps patient care area and work environment neat and organized.
• Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.
• Accepts assignments and performs as a team member.
• Responds to patient call lights in a timely manner.
• Uses proper body mechanics when transferring patient during ambulation and bed – chair transfers.
• Documentation
• Department of Nursing and Organization Support
• Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.
• Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care.
• Uses standard precautions and uses personal protective equipment.
• Develops own knowledge via practice, observation, and attending continuing education programs.

Credentials:

• Certified Nursing Assistant
• 44504
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)
• Certified Nurse Aid

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• 0-1 years Training and/or experience at an acute care or skilled nursing facility or student nurse with hospital based clinical experience

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.