Med Surg Assistant (RN)

The Nursing Assistant at United Health Services (UHS) plays an important role in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care that helps patients feel safe, supported, and respected. This position assists with activities of daily living (ADLs), mobility, patient rounding, vital sign collection, and intake/output documentation while working closely with the Registered Nurse to communicate changes and support patient safety.

As part of a collaborative care team, the Nursing Assistant contributes to positive patient outcomes and experiences through meaningful interactions, teamwork, and high-quality care.

Provide basic patient care and activities of daily living (ADLs) under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) to support comfort, dignity, and safety Assist with nutrition and hydration needs by opening containers, cutting food, or feeding patients as directed by the RN to promote adequate intake Accurately measure and timely record clinical data in an electronic health record (vital signs, weight, intake/output), promptly communicating changes to the RN according to unit standardsSupport safe mobility, ambulation, positioning, and transfers using appropriate techniques to promote comfort and help prevent complications (e.g., skin breakdown) Maintain a clean, safe, and organized patient care environment by performing patient rounding, responding to call lights, and ensuring rooms and supplies support a positive patient experience Document patient care activities and observations per unit guidelines using required tools/systems, ensuring clear handoffs and continuity of care Perform Unit Secretary and clerical duties when assigned (e.g., answering phones, maintaining records, supporting unit workflow) to keep operations running smoothly Scope and Impact: Contribute directly to patient experience and unit outcomes by delivering consistent bedside support across acute care and procedural environments under RN supervision Prioritize tasks in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions, balancing multiple patient and unit needs while maintaining accuracy and compassion Use judgment within defined role parameters to recognize and escalate patient concerns, changes, or safety risks promptly through established communication channels Strengthen team-based care by collaborating with nurses and interdisciplinary partners to support safe, timely patient flow and a well-coordinated unit environment Compliance and Professional: Follow organizational policies, Nursing Division standards, and New York State-aligned role expectations for unlicensed assistive patient care under appropriate supervision Protect patient privacy and confidentiality by complying with HIPAA requirements and using appropriate discretion in documentation and communication Apply infection prevention and control practices including hand hygiene, appropriate PPE use, and safe cleaning/disinfection routines to reduce risk of exposure and transmission Complete required onboarding, education, and competency validations within established timelines, including CPR certification within the required timeframe applicable to the assigned unit Use safe patient handling and ergonomic practices and follow departmental safety principles to prevent injury and maintain a safe care environment Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations Additional Expectations: Create a caring, healing environment through human connection by listening, responding promptly, and communicating with empathy—because every interaction can ease a patient’s day Support a culture of belonging and shared purpose by helping coworkers succeed, participating in unit teamwork, and contributing to continuous improvement in daily care delivery Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs Position Qualifications Required: High School Diploma or equivalent Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (may be obtained within 90 days of hire)Preferred: Vocational Diploma/Certificate in Nurse Aide studies NYSDOH Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) credential Up to 1 year of related experience in a role or field that provides transferable skills or knowledge relevant to the position Up to 1 year of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function Up to 1 year of experience in the same work environment or setting (hospital, practice, department/division) Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public Work Environment Work is performed in a healthcare environment with direct patient interaction and exposure to medical equipment and clinical conditions Requires working in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions, movement between patient care areas, and coordination with clinical staff May involve exposure to cleaning agents, disinfectants, and infectious materials, requiring adherence to PPE and infection control protocols Physical Demands Requires extended periods of standing and walking for the majority of the workday Requires frequent bending, reaching, and positioning to support patient care activities Requires the ability to lift, move, and assist patients or equipment, including weights up to 25–50 pounds on an occasional basis Requires repetitive use of hands and arms, including grasping, handling equipment, and documenting in electronic systems Requires fine motor skills and regular use of both hands to perform clinical tasks accurately Age of Patients Served Any – All Age Groups Cybersecurity and Data Protection All employees share responsibility for protecting organizational information and systems.

This includes safeguarding sensitive data, following established security policies and procedures, completing required training, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations. Roles involved in supply chain, procurement, contracting, vendor management, or third-party oversight are responsible for supporting cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier and third-party lifecycle.

This includes coordinating supplier due diligence and vendor risk assessment activities, supporting contract compliance with cybersecurity and data protection requirements, monitoring third-party risk information as applicable, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external partners, and promptly escalating or reporting identified supply chain or third-party cybersecurity risks.