Certified Nurse Aide - Hospice Inpatient Unit

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This position is responsible for providing nursing care in the Hospice Inpatient Unit and teaching patients and families the skills necessary to care for themselves at home. This position is also responsible for meeting patient/family needs effectively and efficiently through all life stages and age. IPU CNA’s are responsible for assisting the RN within the realm of the Nursing Assistant Certification with respect to any changes with patients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB: (other duties may be assigned)

1. Monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration.

• Obtain vital sign readings per shift as needed.
• Document vital readings at time of observation and report any changes to the Registered Nurse.

1. Provide patient care.

• Bathe, clean incontinent patients, provide mouth and peri-care at least once daily and more often as necessary.
• Report and note any skin changes or open areas or any other changes.
• Observe and report any changes in breathing or mental status.
• Transfer, ambulate and transport patients in a safe manner.
• Use proper body mechanics in ambulating, lifting and transferring.
• Maintain 100 percent compliance with all Hospital policies/procedures in regard to patient care.

1. Perform accu-checks with BGM (Blood Glucose Monitor).

• Perform BGM daily as ordered by the physician.
• Record and document results and report changes to the Registered Nurse immediately.
• Maintain quality assurance on BGM per policies.

1. Provide feeding assistance.

• Feed patient as needed three or more times per day.
• Record for each meal period how the patient ate and document.
• Continually ensure the patient room is safe, hallways are safe and an overall safe environment is provided.
• Transfer, ambulate and transport patients in a safe manner.

1. Make the patient’s bed.

• Remove dirty or soiled linens and replace with clean linens with the patient in or out of bed at least once per day.
• Ensure the patient’s comfort and safety.

1. Perform enemas.

• Perform the enema while ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety by following policy/procedures.
• Report changes and results to the Registered Nurse and record results.

1. Measure patient intake and output of fluids.

• Record the amount of liquid the patient intakes by mouth throughout shift.
• Record output and report to the Registered Nurse.
• Document results at the end of each shift.

1. Complete general housekeeping duties.

• Put away clean linens daily.

• Ensure there are enough supplies for the next shift.
• Promote a clean and orderly environment.

1. Re-enforce patient teaching.

• Daily, restate what the physician or Registered Nurse shows and demonstrates to the patient.
• Determine if patient is learning the information.

1. Provide post-mortem care.

• Bathe patient as needed.
• Provide support to the patient’s significant others.

1. Must remain up to date, knowledgeable and complaint on all DOH and other applicable regulatory related to your department and area

• Patient safety regulations and goals will be followed (i.e., using 2 patient identifiers, reporting critical values, medication reconciliation, etc.)
• Follow the regulations regarding restraint and seclusion, sentinel event notification, etc.
• Attend appropriate educational programs related to regulatory standards, updates and new initiatives

12. Communication

• Verbal or written communication with patients, healthcare team members, patient relatives and visitors
• Recording or observing resident care information
• Answering the telephone and taking messages

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

• Apply cold and warm compresses.
• Change simple dressings.
• Respond to all codes when called
• Restrain patients as directed.
• Empty Foley bags and assist patients with using the restroom.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required.
• Follow standard precaution guidelines.
• Cross train to Home Care Aide.
• Retrieve and co-sign blood products with the RN
• Remove heplocks and foley catheters
• Use of unit equipment
• Mandatory dress code
• Use of paper and computer documentation

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision is received by the Registered Nurse and Partner/Hospice.

SUPERVISION ADMINISTERED:

This position typically does not require the supervision of staff.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB:

This position typically requires:

The ability to manage multiple projects/tasks, provide close attention to detail, adapt to a constantly changing work environment, work a predictable schedule, meet frequent deadlines, work under close supervision, establish own goals, work closely with others, maintain much record-keeping/routine paperwork and utilize creativity. The ability to constantly stand, walk, push/pull approximately 150 pounds, pull hand over hand, stoop, kneel, repeatedly bend, reach, withstand repetitive twisting or pressure involving wrists or hands, use both hands, use rapid mental/muscular coordination simultaneously, communicate orally, and hear conversation is also typically required. The ability to frequently lift between 25 and 150 pounds, carry approximately 25 pounds is also typically required. The ability to sit occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position typically requires:

Working with hands in water, contact with patients and exposure to blood and bodily fluids, and exposure to cleaning chemicals.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

This position typically requires:

Respirator, eye protection, gloves, and body protection (mask & gown).