Restorative Certified Nursing Assistant

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Performs routine non-professional tasks in support of nursing service, in the Extended Care Facility of the County hospital, including tasks involving minor personal services for patients; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is non-technical work involving the routine care of patients and the performance of such indirect or non-nursing services for patients as are not required to be performed by a Licensed Practical or Registered Professional Nurse.  Work also involves specialized restorative nursing program procedures as assigned by supervisors. Work is subject to general supervision, except activities concerned with actual care of patients, which are performed under direct supervisor by the registered nurse in charge of the patient. Directly supervised by the Director of Nursing. Does not directly supervise others, but provides 1:1 and serves as a resource in restorative nursing measures to other C.N.A.’s.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Provides adequate skin preventive care;
• Assists in walking, feeding, bathing and toileting patients and caring for their personal needs per the Care Plan;
• Assists in lifting and turning heavy or helpless patients;
• Assembles information concerning the patient’s condition and enters reports on patient records;
• Labels and stores patients’ clothes and turns over valuables to person designated by hospital;
• Assists with care and maintenance of room furniture, fixtures and supplies to keep patients safe and comfortable;
• Passes nourishments;
• Practices safe patient handling and uses mechanical lifts and equipment appropriately;
• Receives specific restorative nursing assignments directly from supervisors. These assignments often involve residents who are discharged from formalized therapy and have specific orders from the therapist.
• Attends therapy training sessions to ensure smooth carryover or learning of new skills. Able to verbalize and demonstrate carryover of program.
• Performs all modalities in RNP program effectively.
• Works with small group classes under the direction of the DON.
• Follows protocols and procedures for restorative nursing care as set by nursing administration.
• Attends weekly RNP review meetings and comes prepared.
• Coordinates restorative dining program.
• Informs charge nurse of suggestions for changes that s/he perceive as necessary for improving resident care and that would help a resident reach their highest possible functioning level.
• Checks resident(s) with wheelchairs on a consistent basis for needs, appropriate fit, in good repair, etc. Reports needed repairs, etc., to plant operations.
• Reports lack of functioning equipment and lack of adequate supplies timely.
• Documents progress of resident as directed by supervisor. Completes flow sheets daily to signify that the specified restorative nursing measure was done.
• Assists supervisor with orientation and staff development in principles and practices of restorative nursing a directed.
• Acts as a team member with the nurse being head of the team.
• Keeps nurse informed of problems having with factors that interfere with being able to perform the work as assigned, i.e., resident refusal.
• Assists supervisor in keeping lists of restorative approaches current and updated. If these measures are not on care plan, inform nurse and supervisor so this can be done.
• Must be courteous and patient in dealings with residents, family members, co-workers, visitors and physicians.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Ability to understand and carry out routine non-technical, oral and written directions relative to care of patients; physical strength and mental alertness; willingness to cooperate and to carefully follow a prescribed routine; discretion; tact and good judgment; ability to get along well with others and to secure cooperation of patients; interest in hospital work; neatness and good appearance; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position; Exhibits a special interest in the older adult and others requiring long term care; Has sufficient written and verbal communication skills to understand instructions and complete basic charting functions; Maintains confidentiality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of current valid certification as a Nursing Assistant issued by the New York State Department of Health.  Completion of specialized training for restorative nursing program.