Department Summary

The Progressive Care Unit is a step-down unit for ICU. The patient population on this unit includes patients with altered mental status, DKA, respiratory failure, post-cardiac catheterization, and some post-surgery patients. This is a fast-paced unit that encourages teamwork and growing skillsets. 

Job Summary

The Nursing Assistant (NA) is a patient care support partner with the Registered Nurse (RN) and/or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and performs work as delegated by the RN or LPN. The NA provides direct care to patients and assists with non-direct patient care unit coordination. The individual in this position is expected to perform basic care and comfort standards as well as have knowledge of the patient population needs in the assigned work area. In addition, the NA is expected to assist the RN in the care of acutely ill patients. This individual is expected to practice medical asepsis, respect the dignity and privacy of every patient and family, and to respect cultural differences during patient care. They are expected to know and adhere to all basic policies and procedures and respond appropriately during emergency situations. They are expected to maintain the patient/family environment, perform general unit upkeep, order and maintain unit equipment, and order supplies as needed, with or without direct supervision. The NA is expected to use accurate verbal and written communication and to document patient care appropriately in the electronic health record. Perform a variety of clerical duties involved in preparing, maintaining, and processing patient, unit(s) and hospital data and records to include operating the organization's patient care information systems. Individuals in this role are typically scheduled for NCA I shifts at minimum 25% of the time.

What you will do:

• Prepare patients, equipment and supplies for specific procedures and provide manual assistance as required.
• Obtain and record patient data for medical records noting and informing RN/LPN of information collected.
• Administer treatment and personal care procedures to patients including, but not limited to, feeding, bathing, hair care, changing clothing, nail care, bed-making, assisting with ambulation, enemas, skin care, and bowel and bladder elimination; provide such additional care as required to meet the personal needs and comfort of assigned patients.
• Participate in teaching activities by reinforcing teaching instructed by RN and/or providers as needed.
• Assist providers and nurses with physical examinations by helping position patients, changing non-sterile dressing and weighing patients.
• Take and record vital signs, record I&O, and apply ice bags. Note and report any changes in patient's condition. Turn and position patients, set up and feed patients as necessary, provide patients with fresh drinking water.
• Perform fingersticks for blood glucose testing, with appropriate training, document and notify RN/LPN.
• Assist with admission, discharge, and transportation of patients. Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.
• Collect, deliver and conduct routine tests on patient specimens. Clean assigned area; stock and replenish supplies and equipment as required.
• Participate in own professional development by maintaining required skills validation and attending educational offerings. Support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• May also perform clean dressing change for wounds over 48 hours old.
• Perform a variety of clerical tasks involved in operating the organization's patient care information system. Acknowledge orders on EMR task list, verify printout and input verified orders to request diets, treatments, nursing services, equipment and diagnostic and laboratory tests and procedures.
• Assemble and maintain patient charts from admission through discharge. Prepare and upload paper documents into the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Navigate electronic medical record, access patient information, generate reports, schedule appointments and manage task list.
• Assign nursing staff to communication systems.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

What you will need:

Education

• N/A

Experience

• N/A

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Currently listed as a Nursing Assistant (NA I) with the Division of Facility Services with no substantiated findings of abuse, fraud, neglect or misappropriation of property.
• BCLS certification must be maintained/completed by the end of new hire orientation, which typically takes place during the first week of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients.
• Working knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene and basic health and safety precautions applicable to work in a hospital.
• Working knowledge of the organization and physical layout of the hospital.
• Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions.
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking.
• This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 35 pounds with assistance or appropriate lift equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and hospital staff.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of providing non- professional bedside patient care.
• Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing may be required.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.