Nursing Assistant

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and in accordance with hospital and departmental policies, the Nursing Assistant supports patient care from admission through discharge.

This role involves assisting patients and families while promoting a safe, respectful, and compassionate care environment.

DEFINITION

A Nursing Assistant is a paraprofessional trained to provide personal care and related health services to individuals who are sick, disabled, or infirm. This role requires licensure as a Nursing Assistant issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health and applies to individuals working in state-licensed healthcare facilities or agencies.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

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

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Core Success Factors:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaboration

RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care Support

• Collaborate with the Registered Nurse to organize work and prioritize patient care
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Provide personal care in accordance with patient needs
• Assist with patient mobility, transfers, and ambulation
• Support rehabilitation activities as appropriate

Clinical Support

• Perform basic Nursing Assistant skills as defined by the Rhode Island Department of Health
• Observe and report patient conditions, changes, and symptoms to the Registered Nurse
• Accurately document care and observations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and patient care flowsheets
• Assist in emergency or code situations as required
• May function as a patient observer

Safety & Environment

• Maintain a safe and clean patient environment
• Identify and report unsafe conditions or equipment in need of repair
• Follow infection control and quality assurance protocols
• Adhere to all hospital and departmental safety procedures

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members
• Support a respectful, collaborative team environment
• Escalate concerns or issues to the Registered Nurse or supervisor

Additional Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Certification

• Current Rhode Island Nursing Assistant license required
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred
• Basic computer skills required
• Certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required

Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of patient care across the lifespan, including:
  • Aging processes
  • Developmental stages
  • Cultural considerations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Experience

• One (1) year of Nursing Assistant experience preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work performed in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, physician offices, ancillary facilities)
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking
• Frequent bending, squatting, and stooping
• Ability to lift, turn, and reposition patients and equipment

INDEPENDENT ACTION

• Works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse within established hospital policies and state regulations
• Refers complex or unclear issues to a supervisor for guidance

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None