Nurse Aide

Job Summary: The duties of the Nurse Aide focus on performing routine services and personal care for residents of the facility, including assisting residents with activities of daily living (ADL’s).

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

• Responsible to:  The Nurse Aide reports to and is supervised by the Assistant Director of Nursing and/or the Director of Nursing.  The Nurse Aide may also receive direction and oversight from the Medication aide, licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. 
• Interrelationships:  The Nurse Aide regularly interacts with residents, closely works and communicates with nursing department staff members and cooperatively works with all staff of the facility.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Performs direct and indirect resident care activities as ordered and consistent with the facility’s policies and procedures, which include but are not limited to: personal care and hygiene, such as bathing, hair care, mouth care, nail care, peri-care, shaving, monitoring for incontinence and assisting as appropriate, assisting residents with dressing/choosing seasonally appropriate attire, weighing, and taking vital signs.
• Assists with ambulation if indicated.
• Assists and reminds residents for meals and activities.
• Changes bed linens in resident rooms according to daily and/or weekly schedules.  Changes soiled linens when needed (in between scheduled changes). 
• Collects soiled bathroom linens from resident room and transports such linens to the soiled laundry area as per policy and procedure. 
• Distributes clean bathroom linens to resident rooms as per policy and procedures. 
• Observes resident physical and mental health and behavior and reports changes in condition to the Mediation Aide, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse and/or assistant director of nursing and/or the director of nursing. 
• Attends and contributes to nursing department staff meetings and in-services.
• Participates on committees as assigned.  Advises the director of nursing for topics of discussion at staff meetings. 
• Assists with admissions, transfers, and discharge of residents.  Assists with emergencies.
• Represents the facility in a positive manner, promoting positive guest relations. Communicates problems and complaints with nursing services to the proper individuals.
• Checks for appropriate amount and condition of equipment and supplies; communicates supply needs to ADON/DON and/or to the director of housekeeping/laundry.  Restocks rooms with supplies i.e. gloves, tissues, etc. 
• Supports and participates in the facility’s quality assurance program.
• Practices the infection control policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the facility’s policy and procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Identifies and reports incidents and accidents; participates in the investigation of incidents and accidents as necessary. 
• Performs related duties as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:  The Nurse Aide should have at least a high school education (or the equivalent of a high school education).  Technical/vocational school or college education is preferred, but not required.
• Special Training and Certification: Certification as a Nurse Aide is desirable, but not required.   Maintains certification in BLS (Basic Life Support).
• Experience:  Previous and recent similar work experience is desirable, but not required.
• Physical Requirements:  The Nurse Aide must be in good physical and mental health and possess good physical stamina.  The Nurse Aide must be able to remain on her/his feet during the majority of the working day, must be able to bend, reach and grasp with full range of motion of neck back, hips, upper extremities and lower extremities and must be able to lift 40 to 50 pounds (moderate to heavy) without difficulty, discomfort or assistance.  The Nurse Aide must be pleasant, tactful, courteous and cooperative with residents and fellow employees.
• Communication:  The ability to communicate effectively and clearly in the English language is essential.
• Job Knowledge:  The Nurse Aide must have an excellent understanding of proper hygiene, compassion and respect for human dignity and the rights of others.
• Working Conditions:  The Nurse Aide works indoors and is exposed to chemicals (disinfectants and cleaning solvents).
• Continuing Education:  The Nurse Aide must attend staff meetings and employee in-services.
• Dress Code:  Clothing that is appropriate to the wearer and the working environment should be worn and always should be clean and modest.  A uniform typical for a nursing staff member is preferred.  Supportive and comfortable shoes also should be worn.  Sandals and open-toe shoes are not permitted.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• An ability to meet and work well with people from different backgrounds.
• An ability to work with the elderly.
• An aptitude for good communication and time management skills.