Westchester Medical Center - Kingston, NY
posted 9 months ago
The Nursing Assistant at HealthAlliance Hospital plays a crucial role in supporting the nursing staff to enhance patient care and ensure the well-being of patients and their families. This position is designed for individuals who are dedicated to providing compassionate care and are capable of performing a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall functioning of the healthcare team. The Nursing Assistant will be responsible for documenting vital signs, assisting with daily physical and emotional care, and ensuring that all procedures are completed within the scope of practice and in accordance with current standards and hospital policies. In this role, the Nursing Assistant will document patient information accurately in records and computer systems, including vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration. They will also perform point-of-care testing and assist with the removal of Foley catheters. Close observation of patients requiring sitters is essential, and the Nursing Assistant will be expected to follow the plan of care established by the nursing assessment. Responsibilities include performing non-sterile dressing changes, emptying post-operative drainage devices, setting up oxygen and suction equipment, applying pulse oximeters, performing EKGs, and applying telemetry. The Nursing Assistant will actively participate in unit and team huddles, maintaining effective communication with physicians and coworkers. They will demonstrate cooperation with shift supervisors and recognize the chain of command while assisting licensed personnel as directed. Maintaining a clean and organized work environment is critical, as is ensuring that equipment needing repair is sent to BioMed. The Nursing Assistant will also monitor the work environment for compliance with hospital policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities include assisting with patient nutrition, specimen collection, and the application of various medical devices. The Nursing Assistant must be knowledgeable about the location of other departments to assist in procuring necessary equipment and supplies, and they should be able to convey communication between ancillary departments and nursing floors. They will also be expected to assist in emergency situations and ensure accurate identification of patients while protecting their privacy. The Nursing Assistant will serve as a preceptor and mentor for less experienced Nursing Assistants and will be involved in continuous quality improvement activities. This position requires a commitment to patient confidentiality and compliance with isolation and standard precautions, including proper handwashing techniques and the use of gloves during patient contact. The Nursing Assistant will perform any other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall mission of HealthAlliance Hospital to provide high-quality patient care.