Job Summary

While working on the Geriatric Unit, provides role as patient advocate through his/her own role modeling of standards of performance and by communicating and meeting the patient needs for service. Assists registered nurses in direct care of patients, specifically patients’ activities of daily living. Ensures a safe and therapeutic environment on the unit through observation monitoring, interacting and providing/assisting in groups.

Duties & Responsibilities

Demonstrates the ability to assist the registered nurse in the collection of patient data for nursing assessment, and the documentation of findings according to Butler Hospital Standards of Documentation.

Geriatric: Gathering of data completed with family members includes:

• Biophysical: (i.e. bowel and bladder habits, physical mobility, skin integrity, assistive devices)
• Nutritional: (i.e. special diet, assist in feeding, food preparation)
• Psychosocial: (i.e. mental status, advanced directives, losses)
• Cognitive: (i.e. barriers to learning, family involvement needed 2° to mental status)

Adult: Gathering of data includes:

• Biophysical: (i.e. dentures, bowel and bladder, obesity)
• Nutritional: (i.e. ability to prepare food, lifestyle issues)
• Psychosocial: (i.e. vocational situation, substance use/abuse, developmental tasks achieved, work productivity, satisfactory relationships)
• Cognitive: (i.e. mental status, barriers to learning)

Adolescent: Gathering of data completed with family/guardian, if needed, includes:

• Biophysical: (i.e. menstrual period, birth control, hygiene issues)
• Nutritional: (i.e. specific food choices, eating disorder issues)
• Psychosocial: (i.e. sexual activity, substance use/abuse, peer groups)
• Cognitive: (i.e. barriers to learning, developmental tasks achieved, self-confidence, ability to problem solve)

Child: Completes gathering of data completed with family/guardian present includes:

• Biophysical: (i.e. bathing routine, bowel and bladder, continence)
• Nutritional: (i.e. food preferences, mealtime routine, snacks)
• Psychosocial: (i.e. safety needs, developmental tasks, achieved productivity)
• Cognitive: (i.e. barriers to learning, ability to think logically, concrete, complete tasks, pay attention)

Demonstrates ability to observe and report patient data to treatment team and/or Charge Nurse to assist him/her in the evaluation of patient responses to treatment and determination of alternatives for care.

Demonstrates ability to supervise patients’ basic hygiene, nutritional, and elimination needs in accordance with nursing procedures.

Demonstrates ability to provide for recreational needs of patients and takes initiative to provide these needs.

Always responds in a constructive and sensitive manner to patients, families, and visitors.

Demonstrates ability to interact therapeutically and meet patient’s needs.

Observes all relevant risk management and infection control policies and procedures and any applicable performance improvement activities.

Demonstrates effective skills in de-escalation of patients in crisis situations.

Consistently considers own safety, safety of other staff and patients on the unit in the execution of patient care.

Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Butler Hospital policies and procedures regarding restraint and seclusion.

Demonstrates skill in organizing and/or participating in patient restraints according to hospital policy.

Demonstrates ability to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.

Records patient observations appropriately on the checks form and is diligent about following the observation procedure.

Monitors patients behaviors and needs and reports activities to the nurse.

Engages in therapeutic conversations.

Attends community meeting and participates in other group meetings that meet patients need.

Provides exercise opportunities for patients by conducting walks and other activities.

Able to accurately and efficiently document appropriate clinical information in electronic medical record.

As a Nursing Assistant duly registered in the state of Rhode Island consistently performs the following duties under the supervision of a professional nurse.

Personal care skills including:

• Assists with feeding, hydration (i.e. cuts food if needed, assists with opening cartons)
• Bed bath, tub bath, shower (Parker Bath)
• Care of skin and back (i.e. monitors for breakdown of skin, pressure areas)
• Foot care, foot soak, applying foot lotion
• Nail care
• Oral hygiene (i.e. brushes teeth and gums, cleans dentures)
• Shampoo hair (sink, tub, bed) comb/brush
• Shave

Basic nursing skills including:

• Sitz bath (Parker Bath) to intact skin for comfort measures and pain relief only
• Application of topical Over the Counter (OTC) drugs to intact skin
• Apply lamb’s wool
• Apply elastic stockings (Teds)
• Caring of patients on precautions
• Making an unoccupied/occupied bed
• Measure intake and output (I & O) – record results
• Reinforce simple, nonsterile dressings
• Remind patient to take medication
• Caring for patient when death is imminent (DNR)- comfort measures
• Performs other duties as assigned

Schedule:

24/48 Part Time Evenings - Every Other Weekend (includes 1 float shift)

Lippitt 1 is a Senior Speciality Unit

Requirements

Education: College credits in any of the social sciences required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Training and Experience: Behavioral Health experience preferred.

Active C.N.A license.

About Us

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions, Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, is a trusted, integrated health care organization that fuels the latest advances in medical research, attracts the nation’s top specialty-trained doctors, hones renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in the important discussions people need to have about their health and end-of-life wishes. Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in the ongoing effort to ensure the health of the individuals and communities we serve.

EEO Statements

Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.