POSITION SUMMARY

• Functioning under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the CNA provides personal care services to patients. The CNA carries out the Certified Nursing Assistant care plan for the patient as developed by the RN. Under the direct supervision, the CNA delivers safe, therapeutic and efficient patient care. Clientele served may include pediatrics, young adult through adult, including geriatric. The CNA provides patient services wherever the patient resides. Light housekeeping may be part of the assigned duties.

SUPERVISION

• Direct Supervisor: Clinical Manager, Inpatient Care Center
• Next Line Supervisor: Director, Clinical Services

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of an RN, performs all required interventions and/or procedures to provide for total patient care in the clinical setting according to the plan of care, including turning, transporting, catheter care, bathing and skin care. Provides care at time of death as assigned.
• Assists in the collection of data regarding family needs for bereavement services following the patient’s death and conveys information to primary nurse no later than three days after death of patient.
• Collects accurate and timely data, through observation of physical, psycho-social, ethnic, cultural, spiritual, safety and educational needs of the patient/caregiver.
• Recognizes changes in clinical status. Requests assistance from supervisor or an RN as needed.
• Identifies and recommends medical equipment and supplies that will assist in maintaining patient’s comfort and caregiver’s ability to provide care and communicates this information to the RN.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and always follows Standard Precautions and infection control procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of home safety issues and follows safety practices for storage, handling and access to supplies appropriate to the situation.
• When assigned to, or working at, one of the HOC facility:

• Promptly answers patient call lights (whether that of assigned patient or not), anticipates patient needs and checks on patients regularly; demonstrates professionalism when assisting patients.
• Obtains and documents vital signs, and weight and height, as per policy and procedure, as appropriate.
• Uses downtime effectively to make rounds, stock, clean or other appropriate action.
• Regularly assumes responsibility for patient’s clothing and personal property (prosthetic devices, hearing aids, glasses, etc.) by securing items in accordance with established procedures. Accurately notes and always provides for safe care of patient’s valuables or Returns clothing items to family.
• Labels, in the patient’s presence, any specimens taken.
• Checks dirty utility rooms; cleans all equipment and places it in appropriate location.
• Cleans and stocks storage areas, carts and common areas as needed.
• Assists with the admission and discharge process of patients. Willingly assists and accompanies patient in the admission, transfer and discharge process, while assuring comfort and safety. Performs and documents patient admission data correctly.
• Regularly admits and orients patients in a timely manner following arrival to their room.
• Handles telephone information requests with courtesy, accuracy and respect for patient confidentiality; receives information and distributes messages as necessary.
• Regularly provides patient information on admission in regard to correct storage of patient’s valuables, eyeglasses and dentures, use of equipment, bed controls, nurse/patient communication system and location of bathroom and emergency call signal.

• Consistently utilizes effective time management and performs functions efficiently.
• Documents each patient visit by providing, accurate and timely documentation that contains pertinent information regarding patient’s condition, appropriate focus of treatment, response to treatment and progress.
• Reports patient/visitor/employee incidents as required by HOC policy.
• Complete any agency required documentation within agency and Medicare guidelines.
• Regularly provides for patient’s complete personal hygiene (e.g. bathing, combs hair, brushes teeth). Assists with bathing, including total bed baths, partial assist with bath, shower, Peri care, etc.
• Talks with patients, always focusing on the personal interaction with patient.
• Oversees confused patients and provides diversional activities for confused patients.
• Regularly provides patients with clean linen and makes or straightens bed. Demonstrates knowledge of correct bed making procedures (occupied, unoccupied) as outlined in the procedure manual. Maintains clean, neat patient care area.
• Assists with patient meals. Moves patient in proper position to eat. Sets up tray for patient. Assists or feeds patient as necessary.
• Provides nourishment/snack as required.
• Always ensures patient safety by maintaining beds in the low position with side rails in place and locked at all times, and by properly securing patients when transporting by wheelchair.
• Provides for patient privacy at all times. Appropriately closes room door and cubicle curtains for all procedures.
• Assists patients with toileting as needed. Regularly assist patients on and off the bedpan, to and from the bathroom and cleans or assists them as needed following elimination.
• Regularly ensures that all personal articles, water and the patient call light cord is always within the patient’s reach and available for use, as appropriate.
• Regularly ambulates patients as assigned; properly uses equipment, bed controls and proper techniques.
• Maintains the cleanliness and upkeep of patient bathrooms. Cleans basins and maintains relevant personal items (e.g. denture cups, toothbrushes).
• Provides effective communication to patients, caregivers, family members, staff and IDT members, adjusting communication techniques as necessary to reach a varied audience.
• Assist field teams when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a current Maryland CNA certification and the ability to pass a written CNA test required.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a health care setting.
• Basic ability to read, write and understand English.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with/without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to recognize safety issues to self and others and be able to assess and implement use of lifts or other personnel to lift and move patients of all sizes and weights in a safe manner.
• Ability to perform consistently in stressful situations.
• Basic computer skills, to include but not limited to Microsoft Word and Outlook, required.
• Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize and delegate.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, timely and cost-effective patient care.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple assignments and projects with attention to details, efficiency, accuracy and deadlines.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and move patients safely.
• Current Maryland driver’s license and a good driving record. Reliable transportation a must.
• Compliant with health screening and vaccination requirements of organization and position, including TB screening and Influenza vaccination annually.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO PAID OVERTIME

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