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Required Skills

1. Performs and documents nursing care measures to meet the physical needs of patients as directed by the registered nurse. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Provides hygiene and comfort measures, assuring privacy and preventing undue exposure.
• Provides or assists patient with bathing, oral hygiene, hair care, nail care, shaving, etc.
• Assures that linens are dry, wrinkle free and that patient is comfortable.
• Provides handwashing opportunity before and after meals, toileting, etc.
•  Activity:
• Assists with patient’s activities including ambulation, chair, dangling and repositioning; uses proper body mechanics, positioning techniques, and assistive devices.
•  Nutrition:
• Serves and collects food trays and nourishments. Records percentage of diet intake.
• Feeds or assists patients as necessary. Records intake. Reports deviations from normal.
• Clears IV and Tube Feeding Pumps at end of each shift and documents appropriately.
•  Elimination:
• Provides bed pan/urinal. Performs perineal care.
• Performs bladder catheter care and discontinues bladder catheter as directed.
• Performs ostomy care (ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy) including application of appropriate appliances.
• Records output. Reports deviations from normal.
•  Other related needs:
• Assists with post-mortem care.
• Assists with admission, transfer and discharge of patients.
• Promptly responds to patient call light or requests (usually in less than ten minutes).

 2. Performs and documents monitoring procedures; observes and reports the patient response. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Obtains vital signs (B/P and TPR).
• Obtains weight in kg (standing, chair or bed scale) and reports deviation from previous weight.
• Empties drainage collection devices.
• Performs blood glucose monitoring.
• Observes and reports unusual conditions and/or change in patient behavior or appearance.

3. Performs therapeutic measures/procedure, observes and reports changes, deviations from normal. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Application of heat; i.e., K-pad.
• Application of cold; i.e., ice bags, sponge baths.
• Therapeutic baths, i.e., Sitz, Aveeno.
• Obtains routine non-sterile specimens.
• Assists with patient preparation for surgical, therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures.
• Oxygen therapy (sets up/maintains/discontinues) as directed.
• Applies nonsterile dressing as directed.
• Discontinues peripheral IV as directed.
• Performs oral pharyngeal suctioning.
• Preps skin and applies telemetry patches.
• Records all interventions; observes and reports the patient response, changes, and/or deviations from normal parameters.

4. Maintains safety and security of patient/family/self/others, observing safety precautions and promoting a sense of security and well being. Illustrative tasks and expectations include but are not limited to the following:

•  Conducts purposeful hourly rounding as a team member, inquiring of the four P’s (Pain, Potty, Possessions and Positioning).
• Follows standard precautions. Always washes hands between patients.
• Reports equipment malfunctions.
• Assists in keeping patient rooms/corridors free of clutter. Cleans fluid spills.
• Uses proper body mechanics in moving, transferring and transporting patients.
• Positions side rails appropriate to the patient’s condition.
• Applies and maintains restraining devices as directed.
• Interacts with patients/visitors/others in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Fully explains procedures to patients/families prior to performing.
• Assures patient privacy/rights/confidentiality.
• Recognizes and reports patient concerns; offers constructive solutions.

5.  Promotes efficient and effective functioning of the unit/hospital. Illustrative tasks and expectations include but are not limited to, the following:

•  Skilled in computer messaging, obtaining results.
• Completes assigned aspects of unit inventory management.
• Complies with established policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.
• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Supports efforts to reduce costs.
• Consistently utilizes time and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Maintains cleanliness of unit, service area and equipment.
• Cooperates with all members of the healthcare team.
• Enthusiastically supports and participates in planned changes.
• Accepts responsibility for accurate and timely completion of tasks as assigned.
• Adheres to MHS Behavioral Standards.
• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from Pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube system. Relocate these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or deliver directly to appropriate licensed staff.

6. Performs additional unit specific tasks/care elements for which they have received specific instruction and demonstrated competence.

7. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.