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 providing ice water.
• Answers all signal lights and bells promptly to determine and meet patient needs.
• Collects specimens including stool, urine, sputum, and other required samples.
• Collects intake and output information and records appropriately.
• Collects and records vital signs and obtains pertinent patient information according to hospital policy.
• Assists and/or feeds patients, provides between-meal nourishments, provides fresh drinking water, and encourages fluids when indicated.
• Assists in progressive ambulation of patients by wheelchair, stretcher, and bed.
• Administers enemas, douches, and inserts rectal tubes and documents appropriately.
• Applies ace bandages and elastic stockings and prepares hot water bottles, ice bags, pads, and humidifiers.
• Cares for Foley catheters and Levine tubes as instructed by nursing personnel.
• Applies condom drains, scrotal suspensories, non-sterile compresses, and binders.
• Provides postmortem care and transports bodies to the morgue.
• Applies restraints and side rails to ensure patient safety.
• Observes isolation techniques and provides direct patient care to patients in isolation.
• Assists with colostomy care.
• Sets up orthopedic appliances.
• Runs errands, delivers messages, and answers telephones.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Observes and reports safety hazards and prepares incident reports as required.
• Prepares patients for surgery, x-ray procedures, and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares patients for examinations and treatments by:
• Remaining with patients unless relieved.
• Providing appropriate equipment and supplies.
• Adjusting lights as needed.
• Cleaning and restocking treatment areas, supplies, and equipment.
• Assists in orienting new patients to their surroundings.
• Assists in maintaining a sanitary and safe environment in service and nursing areas.
• Participates in team conferences, in-service education programs, and staff meetings.
• Assists other hospital employees as needed, including returning patients from Recovery Room, Surgery, X-ray, and other departments when indicated.
• Assists with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Successful completion of a hospital-approved Nursing Aide Training Program required.

Experience

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

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to provide basic patient care and assist with activities of daily living.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized patient care environment.
• Ability to observe, report, and document patient information accurately.
• Additional training may be required and provided for work in specialized areas.

Licenses & Certifications

• Completion of a hospital-approved Nursing Aide Training Program required.
• May require competency listing with the State of Kentucky to work in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF).