Job Description

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 call lights and bells promptly and responds to patient needs.
• Collects specimens including stool, urine, sputum, and other samples as directed.
• Collects and records intake and output accurately.
• Obtains and records vital signs and other pertinent patient information according to hospital policy.
• Assists with feeding patients, provides between-meal nourishment, fresh drinking water, and encourages fluid intake when appropriate.
• Assists with patient ambulation and transportation by wheelchair, stretcher, or bed.
• Administers enemas, douches, and inserts rectal tubes as directed and documents appropriately.
• Applies ace bandages, elastic stockings, hot water bottles, ice bags, pads, and humidifiers.
• Provides care for Foley catheters and Levine tubes as directed by nursing staff.
• Applies condom drains, scrotal suspensories, unsterile compresses, and binders.
• Provides postmortem care and transports bodies to the morgue.
• Applies restraints and side rails to maintain patient safety.
• Observes isolation precautions and provides care to patients in isolation.
• Assists with colostomy care.
• Sets up orthopedic appliances and equipment.
• Delivers messages, runs errands, and answers telephones as needed.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Identifies and reports safety hazards and assists with incident reporting.
• Prepares patients for surgery, radiology, and other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
• Assists with patient examinations and treatments by providing equipment, supplies, and proper room setup.
• Cleans and restocks patient care areas, supplies, and equipment.
• Assists in orienting new patients to their surroundings.
• Maintains sanitary and safe conditions in nursing and service areas.
• Participates in team conferences, staff meetings, and in-service education programs.
• Assists other hospital departments and personnel as needed.
• Assists with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Successful completion of a hospital-approved Nursing Aide Training Program required

Minimum Work Experience

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

Licenses & Certifications

• Additional training and certifications may be required based on assigned work area
• State of Kentucky Nurse Aide competency listing required for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) assignments

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to perform assigned nursing aide duties safely and effectively
• Ability to learn and apply patient care procedures through on-the-job training
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow directions and work effectively as part of a healthcare team
• Ability to provide compassionate care while maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality
• Ability to maintain a safe and sanitary patient care environment
• Basic understanding of infection control and safety procedures
• Ability to adapt to additional training requirements based on department or patient care area needs