Job Description

JOB TITLE: Certified Nurse Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant/State Certified Nursing Assistant

REPORTS TO: Sister Supervisor, Staff Nurse, and Director of Nursing or their designee.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB OBJECTIVE

The Nursing Assistant is expected to perform routine Resident care duties as delegated by the registered nurse or licensed practical nurse as specified in the Resident’s comprehensive assessment and plan of care. Such care includes assuring resident safety and assist with their mobility and performing/assisting with personal cares (i.e. their activities of daily living). These services are consistent with the Home's standards and philosophy and are in compliance with all regulations, codes, policies and procedures that govern the facility.

MISSION

The Nursing Assistant will carry out duties in keeping with the mission of Little Sisters of the Poor, namely the caring for the aged poor with love, respect and dignity. “Making the elderly happy, that is what counts” was a saying of the Little Sisters of the Poor foundress Saint Jeanne Jugan. Central to this philosophy is the promotion of a holistic approach for our Residents in an atmosphere of kindness and respect in creating a family spirit.

JOB STANDARDS:

The Nursing Assistant must have:

A certification to practice in the Home’s state as a Certified Nurse Assistant, Geriatric Nursing Assistant, or State Certified Nursing Assistant. Also, meets the state requirements as a Nursing Assistant and is currently active on the registry. If not on the registry, must agree to take an instructional program and successfully complete the program within the State’s time allotment.
Graduated with a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED), or one to three months related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to Residents, Sisters, and other employees.
Capability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
Good mental and physical health, maturity, and responsibility.
Capacity to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Basic computer and Internet knowledge required to perform tasks of the position.
The ability to perform *essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

The Nursing Assistant will be expected to demonstrate skills in the following:

COMMUNICATION & SOCIAL INTERACTION

Identify and recognize the uniqueness of each Resident including those with dementia, and recognize the changes associated with aging and be able to adapt Resident care when these changes present themselves (under the direction of the Nursing Cottage/Unit Coordinator).
Demonstrate an ability to establish relationships with Residents, Sisters, employees, and families and communicate with respect and dignity.
*Observe and report to the nurse any changes or observations in Residents' behavior and physical status and adapt to these changes while providing the safest care. Follow instructions and report back when necessary. Seek guidance using the proper channels of communication.
Demonstrate an ability to use appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Recognize common barriers to communications, including language, vision and hearing changes, memory loss and disorientation. Know and use good judgment in responding to behaviors of wandering and combativeness.
Demonstrate an ability to promote independence of Residents within the limitations of their physical, mental and intellectual impairments, fostering self-help skills, recognizing Residents' level of ability in self-care. Allow choices and adequate time to perform care.
Work effectively and cooperatively as a team member within the Department and with all departments or other disciplines. Communicate and cooperate with team lifting & toileting.
*Answer signal lights, bells, or intercom system on the unit to determine Residents’ needs.

BASIC SKILLS

Understand and fulfill role in emergency situations (fire incidents, disasters, etc.).
Recognize and respond appropriately to unsafe environmental conditions and to emergency situations.
*Use proper body mechanics. Demonstrate appropriate techniques in walking, transferring, positioning and transporting Residents. Consistently uses gait belt according to Home policy/procedure guidelines.
*Apply proper use of mechanical supports and soft restraints, and documents them consistently and accurately. Is informed of changing care needs of Residents and adapts to provide the safest care.
*Have the ability to identify the basic principles of Residents nutrition and hydration needs. Recognize and report deviation from Resident's normal food/fluid intake/output. Recognize basic requirements of commonly prescribed therapeutic diets.
*Perform infection control practices including: proper hand washing techniques, use of gloves, proper disposal of blood and body fluids, proper implementation of universal precautions and isolation technique, cleanliness of Resident care areas.

PERSONAL CARES

*Display ability to give personal care with dignity including the areas of: bathing (bed-complete/partial tub or shower), perineal care, oral hygiene (denture care), nail and hair care, dress/undress, prepare and assist with meal service, assist to feed (use of adaptive utensil/devices), assist with bowel/bladder elimination, and care of the dying and post mortem care focused on the utmost respect for the Residents.
*Assist in straightening and organizing Residents’ rooms and returning clean linen and laundry.

RESTORATIVE SERVICES

Display ability to perform restorative services including: apply/use of assistive devices for ambulating, eating, and dressing; maintenance of range of motion, proper turning, positioning, transferring, bowel & bladder training, care & use of prosthetic devices.

RESIDENT RIGHTS

*Demonstrate behavior that indicates recognition of Residents right to privacy and confidentiality. Allow for Resident choices, activity involvement, and respect Resident belongings. Is cognizant of abuse and neglect, and will report instances of abuse and neglect to appropriate staff immediately. Understands and is well versed in the Resident Abuse Policy. Respect Resident's preferences and background.
*Protect Residents rights and personal healthcare information.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

*Turn and reposition bedfast Residents, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores.
*Changes bed linens, runs errands, directs visitors, and answers telephone.
*Take and record temperatures, blood pressures, pulse and respiration rates, and food and fluid intake and output, as directed.
*Clean, sterilize, store, prepare, and issues dressing packs, treatment trays, and other supplies.
Strive for optimal use of supplies, materials, keeping in mind cost and budget limitations.
*Maintain confidentiality of all Resident, departmental and organizational information.
*Attend in-services as mandated by State/Federal regulations, 12 hours per year or more as required. Attend department or unit meetings.
Have the flexibility with their schedule to meet needs of the department as mandated by State/Federal regulations and Home requirements.
Observe dress and conduct codes, including wearing identification badge, and demonstrates acceptable personal hygiene. Uniform is clean and appropriate, and hair net and apron are worn for dining room service.
Consistently be at work on the unit and on time as scheduled.
Follow instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.