CNA/Unit Secretary

Job Summary

The Certified Nursing Assistant/ Unit Secretary (C.N.A./US) functions within the Scope of Practice outlined by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The C.N.A/ US assists the Registered Nurse and interdisciplinary team in the safe delivery of quality patient care, while supporting unit operations.

This position supports the Frederick Health mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the Frederick Health Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the Frederick Health Standards of Behavior.

Essential Functions:

* In a team relationship with a registered nurse, and under the instruction, direction, and supervision of a nurse, the CNA/US shall:

o Collect and record routine health data that is defined but not limited to cultural, religious and socioeconomic background and activities of daily living.

o Orally report the health status data as required by the nurse.

o Provide feedback to the nurse regarding the nurse-directed plan of care, which is being implemented.

o Provide feedback to the nurse about the patient's expressed wishes concerning the plan of care.

* Provide assistance with activities of daily living as delegated by the nurse, including but not limited to:

o Morning, evening, and general care to include bathing, mouth care, hair care, shaving, and skin care according to individual patient needs.

o Repositioning patients to prevent skin breakdown.

o Ensuring patients are out of bed and ambulated according to physician orders and RN direction.

o Preparing for and assisting patients with meals, nourishments and beverages.

* Perform interventions as delegated by a registered nurse, including but not limited to:

o Hourly rounding to include the 4 P's: Pain, Potty, Personal Needs; Possessions.

o Blood glucose testing, vital signs, pulse oximetry, height, weight, SCD's, indwelling urinary catheter removal, indwelling peripheral intravenous catheter removal, simple wound care to uncomplicated healing surgical wounds, and/or other equipment required by each department.

* Record routine data and care provided on appropriate documents.
* Identify the need for assistance and request assistance when the CNA/ US is unsure about the condition; does not know how to do an activity; or is working in a new practice setting.
* Report the patient's response and the patient's progress to the nurse at designated times and/or when there is a change in the patient's condition.
* Participation in:

o Quality of care activities

o Performance self-appraisal

o Continued learning

o Collaboration

o Completion of appropriate delegated assignments.

* Adhere to local, state and federal guidelines and regulations regarding client confidentiality and privacy rights. Direct all patient requests for information to the nurse.
* Advocate for the patient by reporting to the nurse statements expressed by the patient or family regarding request for information; concerns about care; patient needs; and collaboration with other health care team members by reporting information and data regarding the patient in a timely, truthful and complete manner.
* Reinforce the nurse's health teaching in accordance with the facility, employer, and at the direction of the registered nurse's written instruction. Report the patient's response to teaching or requests for additional information.
* Completes mandatory education requirement for the hospital and department.
* Assists in orienting new employees to the department.
* Stays informed of unit/hospital events by reading minutes or attending staff meetings.
* Serves on committees and projects as necessary.
* Comply with all local, state and federal guidelines and regulations governing Certified Nursing Assistant practice.
* Comply with the C.N.A. code of ethics in accordance with COMAR 10.39.07;
* Performs safely and competently all activities as assigned or delegated.
* Receptionist activities: such as greeting and directing Patients, visitors and hospital personnel and addressing telephone calls using appropriate telephone etiquette.
* Administrative functions that pertain to Patient Record Activities:

o Initiate, assemble, and maintain medical records for all patients on the assigned unit.

o Processes physician orders utilizing computerized physician entry. Completes all forms and requisitions per policy.

o Utilizes computer to enter patient admission data, change orders, requisition supplies and generate/received interdepartmental communication.

o Prepares and processes medical records for transfer within the hospital and to other facilities.

* Other department clerical activities:

o Records and communicates messages.

o Maintains adequate inventory of forms, materials, and equipment.

o Prepares specimens for transports and timely delivery to other departments using appropriate communication forms and labeling techniques.

o Prepares forms for charges and credits and maintains department logs, forms, and other required statistics.

* Keeps the department clean and orderly: kitchen, soiled utility room, clean utility room, etc.
* Floats to other units as assigned.
* Transports patients as needed.
* Performs the duties of a patient care companion as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Ability to read, write and comprehend medical terminology
* Ability to use technology and equipment to perform job duties.
* Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
* Effective use of proper body mechanics when handling patients, supplies and equipment.
* Ability to handle a physically demanding environment.
* Skills and abilities to perform all job description duties according to the age specific patient population served by their department.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

* CNA Certification from the Maryland Board of Nursing as required by Health Occupations Article Title 8-6A-01.
* Current CPR certification.

Patient Contact:

Based on the department designated patient population served, position incumbent must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing appropriate care/contact for patients in the following age groups:

_X_Neonate (0 thru 30 days)

_X_Infant (31 thru 12 months)

_X_Child (13 months thru 12 years)

_X_Adolescent (13 years thru 17 years)

_X_Adult (18 years thru 65 years)

_X_Geriatric (66+ years)

If applicable, must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status. Possess the ability to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/department's policies and procedures.

Physical Demands:

Medium-Heavy Work - Lifting up to 75 pounds on an infrequent basis (less than one lift every three minutes) and/or carrying up to 35 pounds while walking. Pushing or pulling up to 115 pounds infrequently or greater than 115 pounds occasionally (no more than once per hour).

Ergonomic Risk Factors:

Repetition: Repeating the same motion repeatedly places stress on the muscles and tendons. The severity of risk depends on how often the action is repeated, the speed of the movement, the required force and muscles involved.

Forceful Exertion: The amount of physical effort required to perform a task (such as moving patients) or to maintain control of equipment or tools. The amount of force depends on the type of grip, the weight of an object or person, body posture, the type of activity and the duration of the task.

Awkward Posture: Posture is the position your body is in and its effect on the muscle groups that are involved in the physical activity. Awkward postures include repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, working overhead with your hands or arms, or holding fixed positions.

Contact Stress: Pressing the body hard on sharp edges can result in placing too much pressure on nerves, tendons, and blood vessels. For example, using the palm of your hand to hit or stick objects can increase risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Working Conditions:

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Risk: Category A - WILL have exposure to blood or body fluids.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports to the Department Manager. Receives supervision from the Director, Manager, and/or Registered Nurse.

Disclaimer:

The content of this document reflects the general duties, responsibilities, minimum skills, abilities and competencies necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and should not be considered as an exhaustive detailed description of all the work requirements of the position.