Nursing Assistant

Summary

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures, the Nursing Assistant provides support in caring for patients and their families from admission through discharge.

Definition

A Nursing Assistant is a paraprofessional trained to provide personal care, related health support, and assistance to individuals who are sick, disabled, or infirm. This role applies to those working in healthcare facilities or agencies licensed by the State and requires holding an active Nursing Assistant license issued by the Department of Health.

Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization's core values:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Additionally, employees are expected to demonstrate the following core success factors:

• Instill trust and value differences
• Focus on patients and community
• Collaborate effectively

Responsibilities

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are expected to embrace Brown University Health’s mission:
“Delivering health with care”, while consistently modeling its values in all interactions.

Core Nursing Assistant Duties

In collaboration with the Registered Nurse, the Nursing Assistant organizes workload and priorities. Under RN supervision, responsibilities include:

1. Personal Care Skills

• Assist patients with hygiene, grooming, and daily care needs.

2. Basic Nursing Assistant Skills

• Perform tasks as outlined by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Professional Licensing and Facility Regulation.

3. Rehabilitation Support

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Support patient mobility and ambulation as appropriate.

4. Maintenance of a Safe Environment

• Identify and report unsafe conditions.
• Remove malfunctioning equipment from service and report for repair.

5. Observation and Reporting

• Recognize and report changes in patient condition.
• Communicate all relevant observations to the Registered Nurse.

6. Safety and Documentation

• Follow infection control and quality assurance protocols.
• Accurately document patient care in:
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR)
  • Patient care flowsheets
  • Clinical documentation systems
• Respond appropriately in emergency/code situations.
• May serve as a patient observer when needed.

Additional Duties

• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Basic Knowledge & Certifications

• Current Rhode Island Nursing Assistant license
• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
• Basic computer proficiency
• BLS Certification (American Heart Association Healthcare Provider level)
• Knowledge of patient care across the lifespan, including:
  • Aging processes
  • Developmental stages
  • Cultural considerations

Experience

• Preferred: Minimum of one (1) year of Nursing Assistant experience

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work settings include:
  • Acute care hospitals
  • Physician offices
  • Other healthcare facilities

Physical Demands

• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking
• Frequent bending, squatting, and stooping
• Ability to lift, reposition, or assist patients and equipment

Independent Action

• Works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse within established policies and regulations
• Refers complex or unclear issues to supervisors when necessary

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None