Caregiver

General Description and Purpose of this Position

The caregiver provides physical care to the Sisters of the community to meet their daily needs and to enable them to function at the highest possible level.   There is a close and consistent communication between the caregiver and the community nurse.  The caregiver is the Sister’s closest advocate in the community.   The caregiver promotes well-being through meaningful relationship building, and works with the community team to meet other social service needs of Sister and the community, always providing support, friendship and kindness for each of the community members.  The caregiver, in collaboration with other team members, assists with planning and Sister participation in community activities such as mass, exercise, relationship building and fun.  The caregiver also supports other community team members in keeping the community clean and safe, caring for Sister’s laundry, and all activities at meal time.

 MISSION/VISION AND VALUES STATEMENT 

As members of the Mount St. Francis Center community, we are called to provide a life of quality for all residents and staff.  We agree to model these four core values:

• WELCOMING COMMUNITY – We welcome others with respect, concern, and acceptance as a way of creating a caring community and treat ourselves and one another with kindness and dignity.
• PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT – We accept and respect the differences and needs of others and foster shared decision-making.  We support and encourage residents and staff to feely pursue personal, professional, communal, and spiritual development.
• RESPECTFUL SERVICE – We graciously respond to the needs of others with respect and humility, which nurtures and values others’ integrity, dignity, and differences.  We assure that the basic needs of life are met through quality care.  
• CARE OF THE EARTH – We strive to be aware and respectful of the environment by carefully using the Earth’s resources and reducing waste.

 Duties and Responsibilities of This Position

• Responds to orders from nurse on shift, and assists nurse in Sister health related emergencies.
• Answers all call lights at Clare and Francis buildings.
• Helps with Sister’s personal care such as positioning, dressing, bathing and grooming.
• Assists at meal time by delivering food and beverages to tables, helping Sisters eat who are unable to feed themselves, and helping with kitchenette clean up.
• Changes bed linens and cleans beds according to cleaning schedule.
• Exercises and walks Sisters and transports them to various locations.
• Assist Sister’s in activities programs.
• Takes and records vitals (blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respirations) and weight as directed by nurse.
• Routinely assist with the physical transfer of Sisters, following the specific lifting list guidelines.
• Passes beverages and nourishment between meals.   
• Assists in the preparation of Sisters for liturgy, retreat, and other chapel activities.
• Visits with Sisters as directed by staff nurse and in between other duties.
• Keeps all neighborhood areas and Sister rooms neat, clean, and safe. 
• Is familiar with fire, tornado, and disaster procedures. 
• Keep all equipment clean through cleaning schedule and daily use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge , Skills, and Abilities

• CNA or Nurse Aide experience preferred.
• High school graduate or GED preferred, but not required.  
• Completion of food service and food handling training.
• Physical Exertion:   Heavy.  Must be able to stand and walk most of the day.  Repeated bending or stooping.  Must be able to assist with lifting of Sisters on a routine basis.
  1. Lifting:   
     • Floor to waist maximum 50 lbs.  
     • Waist to shoulder maximum 30 lbs. 
  2. Bilateral carry maximum 50lbs. 
  3. Push maximum 35lbs. 
  4. Pull maximum 35 lbs.
  5. Visual Attention:  Ability to read such equipment as thermometers and blood pressure cuffs.
  6. Be willing to work for the best interests of the Sisters, MSFC, and to take pride in his/her work.
  7. Maintain a helpful, respectful, and courteous manner with all residents, staff, and guests.