The patient care team consists of a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Clinical Assistant (CA). Matched for a shift, this team provides care up to 9 patients patients depending on unit and shift. CAs are an integral part of hands-on patient care. Working under the direction and supervision of a RN, they are responsible for taking and recording vital signs, performing designated tests and collecting patient samples, and supporting patients in all activities of daily living. CAs meet patients and their families as they enter the unit, welcoming and acclimating them to the unit. CAs interact with unit staff, physicians, and other hospital department personel. It is critical that CAs provide timely and accurate communication, accurate documentation and maintain a harmonious, team oriented, customer friendly environment. CAs must be able to function competently in a computerized medical setting.

The three principal duties of this position are:

• Patient Care: works under the direction of RN to provide responsive, service oriented patient care
• Testing: conducts various patient tests and specimen collection as directed by RN
• Clerical: functions as the nt door the unit providing customer service oriented communication and clerical support.

Responsibilities

• Partners with nursing staff to provide responsive, service-orientated patient care
• Under the direction of the RN, provides direct patient care for the newly admitted or transferred (including pre/post procedure) patient, established patient or expired patient (post mortem care).

• Obtains and records patient vitals

• Supports patient in all aspects of daily living, promoting both the patientaximum level of independence and encouraging family participation.

• Provides care according to standards for patients requiring safety protocals such as restraints and seizure precautions.

• Performs emergency procedures such as cardiopulmonary arrest and the Heimlich maneuver.

• Provides care using infection control practices as outlined in Medical Center policies/procedures (e.g. Universal Standard Precautions and Isolation Techniques).
• Conducts various patient tests and specimen collection as directed by RN.
• Conducts point of care tests and collects samples

• Provides care to the patient requiring specimen collection by other team members.
• Performs patient room and unit readiness tasks.
• Ensures that the patient room is clean and orderly, and contains all necessary equipment prior to arrival of a patient.

• Ensures that the patient room is stripped and ready for cleaning after patient is discharged.

• As directed by the supervisor or Charge Nurse, is responsible for general unit maintenance and readiness tasks.
• Functions as the communication hub for the unit providing customer service oriented communication and clerical support.
• Provides general reception, communication and clerical support to the unit

• Collects and records clinical and other data, and compiles statistical information as assigned.

• Assembles and maintains patient records, patient and unit forms, and resource material.
• Functions as an integral part of the patient care team for the unit
• Conveys compassion and patient-centered focus with patients, family, care team, and visitors.

• Meets with RN formally at start and end of shift for report and assignment information, participates with RN in bedside hand-off of care and hourly rounding, and collaborates throughout the shift with RN on progress and care of patient.

• Documents and communicates care in an accurate, consistent and timely manner to RN and or Charge Nurse to include any changes observed in condition or behavior of patient.

• Collaborates in the provision of ancillary support services such as respiratory therapy, PT/OT, speech therapy, etc.

• Assists other teams members, including other RN/CA teams, in accomplishment of patient care and/or unit tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent work experience including ability to read, write and comprehend medical terminology.
• Previous experience as a nurse aide or have satisfactorily completed a nurse aide training program or other relevant clinical experience.
• Willingness to use positive communication skill while performing job duties.
• Ability to perform detailed assignments, work under pressure, and relate to patients, hospital staff, physicians, and visitors.
• Ability to use basic computer skills.
• Willingness to attend and complete CVPH education requirements satisfactorily.
• Meets requirement for pre-employment screening and physical exam.
• Competency to perform CPR and Heimlich Manuever.
• Ability to work independently, handle interruptions, take direction and prioritize.

As applicable, the individual is willing to participate in education needed to care for the patient population being served.