Under direct supervision, employees provide assistance to Registered and Licensed Practical Nurses in the delivery of health care services. This position is responsible for performing non-licensed work to meet the hygienic, emotional and physical needs of patients to assist them in restoring, reaching and/or maintaining their optimal level of function. Care and services are performed in compliance with a written plan of care and assignment.
Performs assigned care within the guidelines of the Relationship and Results Oriented Healthcare Model as guided by the licensed nurse. Includes the patient and the family in the plan of care as appropriate. Develops patient focused goals with the patient and family as appropriate.
Observes patients and reports any changes in behavior or condition to RN or LPN. Measures/takes vital signs, blood pressure and related data and documents same. Works as a team with other care providers; utilizing good communication skills, critical thinking, and checkpoints for team work.
Performs duties with a clear understanding of Lakeside Medical Center policies and procedures and unit standards for performing care. Adjusts care to meet the needs of the patient population served as qualified; i.e., infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient. Recognizes cultural differences with patients and adjusts care and approaches to patients to make them feel safe and valued.
Performs duties in accordance with established infection control standards in the performance of all patient procedures; demonstrating adherence to hand washing policy. Demonstrates understanding of The Joint Commission Safety Goals and delivers care with patient safety as a goal. Ensures all patients have identification band on at all times.
Communicates effectively with other patient care providers and team members for efficiencies and safety of care. Performs rounds with on-coming and out-going shift assuring patient needs were met as evidenced by shift changes accomplished without patient needs not being addressed/met (e.g. assistance with toileting, feeding, and any other special need). Responds to call lights promptly and provides appropriate assistance to patients as needed, under supervision of the RN or LPN.
Transports patients using wheelchairs, stretchers, recliners or assists them to walk with or without assistive devices as needed. Reports any unusual occurrences or untoward signs and symptoms to the Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager, including timely reporting of vital signs out of normal range. Initiates CPR and Code Blue procedures immediately as needed.
Documents patient care, treatments and observations as required. Maintains proper filing of patient documentation. Changes bed linen and maintains cleanliness and organization of patients beds and bed space.
Assists with securing patient valuables by labeling personal items and storing dentures, glasses, etc., in a safe place and ensuring that valuables stay with patient when transferred/discharged. Encourages family members to take valuables/belongings home that are not necessary for the patient while in the hospital. Utilizes and ensures staff uses supplies efficiently, following infection control procedures, avoiding waste and follows patient charging procedures.
Ensures the unit's pantry, supply rooms, linen shelves, equipment, and nurses stations are clean and orderly. Uses patient care equipment safely and as directed by policies and instruction. Reports any identified equipment breakdown or malfunction by hospital policy.
Maintains cleanliness of equipment after use. Assists in patient preparation for tests and procedures, such as assuring NPO status, etc. Performs duties as a team member - communicating effectively and assisting co-workers as needed to ensure efficient and safe patient care.
Assists in the orientation of new staff members recognizing importance of bringing new staff into a friendly and supportive work environment. Works with manager and other staff members to maintain competence and skills for procedures assigned. Attends annual in-services and unit staff meetings and/or educational offerings as needed.
Assists team members and manager in identifying opportunities for improvement in patient care processes. Demonstrates understanding and commitment to the hospital mission, philosophy, standards, policies and procedures.? Recognizes all staff, physicians and visitors, as well as, patients as customers and provides courteous and respectful service.
Documents and reports any complaints from patients/visitors/physicians to supervisor. Participates in the cleanliness of the work environment. Demonstrates an understanding of responsibility in emergency plans and is available for patient care as needed or scheduled when hospital emergency preparedness plans are activated.
Participates in hospital community activities and promotes the hospital within the community. Serves as a change leader, positively promoting new systems and changes implemented which improves the hospital and the service provided to its patients. Participates in the hospital goals for growth by being an example of good service to patients in our community and in assisting physicians and other team members.
Emergency duty may be required of the incumbent that includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters or to perform other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to threats or disasters, man-made or natural.
High School Diploma/GED required.
Minimum of one (1) year experience preferred for this position. Certification: BLS Certification required. HIV Education Certification preferred.
EKG Certification preferred.
State of Florida Certified Nursing Assistant license required.
Full time · Night shift