Job Description

Responsibilities*
Observation/Monitoring

Obtains vital signs, temperature, height/length, weight, oxygen saturation and pain scores; reports abnormal values to RN. Obtains other measurements (i.e., head circumference, abdominal girth) per unit standard.
Utilizes palpation/auscultation and Doppler to determine heart rate and blood pressure.
Observes, monitors and reports the overt physical condition of assigned patient(s).
Measures and records intake and output.
Functions as a sitter.
Assists physician/provider during diagnostic procedures; assists and supports patient before and during procedures; assists in specimen collection.
Responds to monitor alarms.
Reapplies pulse ox probe.
Specimen Collection
Performs point of care testing; maintains and calibrates equipment and supplies.
Collects specimens, including urine, stool, sputum and swabs, and performs urine determination including sugar, acetone, specific gravity protein, pH.
Performs finger/heel stick blood collection and chemstick test.
Initiates, maintains and records 24-hour urine collection.
Transports blood and laboratory specimens.
Intravenous Lines
Discontinues peripheral IV's.
Removes peripheral IV dressings.
Patient ADLs
Assists patients with, or administers routine personal hygiene including baths, oral care, skin care, umbilical cord and circumcision care.
Performs oral suctioning utilizing Yankauer tips, suction toothbrushes and oral care sponges.
Performs preventative skin care, pre-operative preps, perineal care.
Provides toileting/bedpan/urinal; remove/empty foley catheters; weighs diapers.
Accompanies, escorts, ambulates, moves, turns, dangles, lifts, transports and attends/holds/positions patients.
Assists with range of motion; applies rehabilitation equipment; releases and applies devices, i.e., wheelchair seatbelt, adaptive equipment, etc., in accordance with specific instructions, to position patients to limit movements.
Provides patient nourishment by performing such duties as passing and collecting trays, providing snacks/beverages, assists with ordering meals/snacks; feeds patients.
Double check breast milk with RN.
Urinary Catheters

Connects, drains and disconnects urinary catheters.
Assembles intermittent bladder irrigation supplies.
Discontinues urinary catheters.
Applies condom catheter.
Performs clean urinary catheterizations (Pediatrics only).
Determines bladder status with Bladder Scanner.
Enemas/Suppositories
Administers cleansing enemas that do not contain medication.
Applies external Fecal Incontinence Device (FID) bags.
Wound Care

Cleanses and redresses non-sterile wounds.
Applies binders, ACE wraps, hot and cold applications; provides soaks and special baths.
Assists RN with complex dressing changes.
Respiratory Care

Assist with tracheostomy care on stable tracheotomies including such duties as cleaning and redressing area; assisting with tape and tie changes.
Assist with P&PD by holding the patient.
Coach/prompt patient to use incentive spirometer, and in coughing and deep breathing.
Other Interventions

Measures and obtains TED hose; applies Sequential Compression Devices.
Performs post-mortem care and transports deceased patients to the morgue/pathology.
Responds to call lights and alarms; answer unit telephone and relay messages prn.
Empties and measures drainage collection and emesis.
Assists RN with admissions, discharges, and transfers.
Provides skin care at the direction of the RN, applying select topical emollients containing medication (i.e., cortisones, tar, silvidine, butt cream, and dermatology lotions).
Initiates emergency care utilizing the "ABC's": Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
Transports materials, supplies, medications, specimens, patient belongings, equipment and medical records.
Performs patient care comfort-safety rounds per unit routine.
Assists with application and maintains restraints.
Documents care provided.
Environment

Stocks supplies and equipment in patient care spaces.
Sets up patient rooms for admission or procedure.
Makes up beds with linen, changes bed linens and linen hamper during patient stay.
Maintains orderliness of the patient room and unit, including equipment/cords, linen, trash, patient belongings, etc.
Cleans and maintains inventory and outdates of equipment and supplies in patient care spaces.
Cleans assigned equipment and areas of work.
Obtains, opens and arranges sterile instruments and supplies for specific procedures.
Cleans, packs, sterilizes and stores instruments.
Checks emergency equipment.
Required Qualifications*
High school diploma, GED or equivalent is required.
A minimum of 6 months recent experience in a patient care setting or
Junior status in an accredited BSN program or
Second year in an accredited ADN program is required.
Ability to read and write required.