Nursing Assistant - Intermediate Care Unit (Harrisburg Hospital)

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

Responsibilities:

• Performs the UPMC nursing core responsibilities for nursing assistants: blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections and Foley care. Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status. May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints per physician or hospital protocol.
• Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director. Takes action to improve knowledge, skills and performance. Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.

• Suggests and supports changes within the department. Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges. Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.

• Performs the UPMC nursing core responsibilities for nursing assistants: ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients. PLUS point of care testing (inc. blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) & patient safety indicator prevention, urine specimen collection, restraint placement and removal, and ticket to ride (intra-hospital transportation).
• Provides direct patient care as directed by the RN including all activities of daily living such as but not limited to bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting and ambulating patients. Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to, 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. Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, 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. Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers, and distributes patient mail. Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays and transporting patients. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director or direct leader. Request’s assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
• Provides diversional activities to reduce or prevent use of restraints. Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Completes clerical functions as needed by department. Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understands policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure. Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.
• Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital related information. Responds within the scope of the nursing assistant role to emergent situations. Provide companionship/supervision one on one with patients as required.