Functions as a member of the patient-centered care team to provide direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse for assigned patients and their families/significant others. Utilizes the skills gained as a student in an accredited Nursing program to assist the Nurse and other members of the care team in the care of a group of assigned patients.
Education

• Active enrollment as a nursing student in an accredited RN or PN nursing program required and
• Successful completion of Fundamentals of Nursing course (or the equivalent) required or

Experience

• Prior work experience not required

Licenses and Certifications

• CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant by the Maryland Board of Nursing for Maryland Practice Sites Upon Hire required or
• NO Board of Nursing Certification required for the Washington DC Practice Sites. Upon Hire and
• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required and
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic math skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills preferred.

Assists the Nurse with formulating, implementing, and organizing care interventions to a group of patients to provide safe and efficient environment, and in preparing patients for transfer or discharge.

Assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and personal hygiene, including bathing, mouth care, dressing, skin care, positioning, meal assistance, ambulation, toileting, and range of motion activities. Assists with patient mobilization and rehabilitation, use of crutches and walkers, and transfer/transport of patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.

Performs basic procedures such as simple dressing changes and wound care, urinary catheter care, perineal care, turning and positioning, post-mortem care, and transport,

Collects specimens such as urine, sputum, and stool. Performs EKG, applies external telemetry monitoring boxes and devices.

Obtains data and documents pertinent patient information including vital signs, height/weight, patient care activities, nutritional support and other patient care data or information.

Obtains information from patient interview, observation, and the patient record to assist the Nurse in the total assessment of the patient.

Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients, families, associates, and their departments to the Nurse.

Communicates effectively and works in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team.

Rounds on all assigned patients based on established standards (e.g., hourly purposeful rounding). Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients/families, including changes in the patient's condition, to the Nurse and other care team members as necessary. Ensures complete hand off to oncoming shift and obtains full hand off from outgoing shift.

Participates in patient/family teaching as directed and responds to questions from patients, families and visitors in a prompt, courteous, and respectful manner, referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.

Provides patient safety attendant/ constant care companion functions as indicated by the Nurse. Initiates and assists in CPR when indicated.

Facilitates a positive patient experience based on MedStar Health's SPIRIT values; responds to questions from patient, families and significant others in a prompt, courteous, positive manner, referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.

Assists with transport of patients, specimens, equipment, and supplies as appropriate. Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality.

Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations, and hospital/facility personnel policies.

Demonstrates behavior consistent with MedStar mission, vision, goals, objectives, SPIRIT Values, and patient care philosophy.

Attends staff meetings, ongoing educational offerings, and participate in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.