The Nursing Assistant I (NA I) functions as a patient care support partner to the Registered Nurse (RN) and/or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), performing tasks as delegated. This role provides direct patient care and supports unit operations through non-direct patient care activities.

The NA I is expected to deliver basic care and comfort measures, demonstrate understanding of the assigned patient population, and assist in the care of acutely ill patients. The individual must practice medical asepsis, respect patient and family dignity and privacy, and provide culturally sensitive care.

This role requires adherence to all organizational policies and procedures, effective response in emergency situations, and maintenance of a safe and clean patient environment. Responsibilities include supporting unit operations, maintaining equipment and supplies, and ensuring accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR). Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare patients, equipment, and supplies for procedures; provide assistance as needed.
• Obtain, record, and report patient data to the RN/LPN.
• Provide direct patient care, including but not limited to:
  • Feeding, bathing, grooming, and dressing
  • Ambulation assistance and positioning
  • Skin care, bowel and bladder care, and enemas
  • Bed-making and maintaining patient comfort
• Assist with patient teaching by reinforcing instructions from nurses or providers.
• Support examinations and procedures by positioning patients, weighing patients, and assisting with non-sterile dressing changes.
• Measure and record vital signs, intake and output, and blood glucose (with appropriate training); report changes in condition promptly.
• Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and transport.
• Follow standard precautions and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Collect, label, and transport specimens; perform routine specimen-related tasks as trained.
• Maintain unit cleanliness, stock supplies, and ensure equipment readiness.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and competency validation; support training of peers and learners.
• Perform clean dressing changes for wounds over 48 hours old, as applicable.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Not required

Experience

• Not required

Certification and Licensure

• Current listing as a Nursing Assistant I (NA I) with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), Division of Health Service Regulation, with no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, fraud, or misappropriation of property
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required by the end of new hire orientation (typically within the first week of employment)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of patient care procedures and techniques
• Understanding of sanitation, personal hygiene, and safety standards in a healthcare setting
• Knowledge of infection control practices
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately
• Effective communication and documentation skills (electronic and/or paper systems)
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with patients, families, and staff
• Physical ability to meet job demands, including prolonged standing, walking, and frequent lifting (with assistance or equipment as needed)

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active role requiring frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting. The employee may be required to lift or move patients and objects exceeding 35 pounds with assistance or appropriate equipment.

Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing may be required.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.