Nursing Assistant- Clinical Decision Unit 0.8 7P-7A

Status: Part time

Shift: Night 7p-7a

The Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital will be a designated 12 bed department that allows our providers to monitor and evaluate the medical condition of patients who do not meet criteria for an inpatient admission but are not well enough to go home without requiring further observation or diagnostic testing. This new unit, also referred to as an observation unit, marks Advocate Lutheran General's ongoing effort to improve throughput by centralizing and streamlining care for observation patients.

The CDU will be a dedicated care unit in which patients will be regularly assessed by a multidisciplinary clinical care team. The CDU will provide a clinical department where necessary diagnostic testing, medications, and therapies can be carried out. This department will allow healthcare professionals to observe patients for an additional 24 to 48 hours before determining readiness for discharge or the need for an inpatient hospital admission. The clinical staff will work to identify any care needs post discharge working with the interdisciplinary team. For those patients unable to be discharged within 48 hours, the clinical team will ensure a smooth transition to an inpatient unit. Professional growth experience includes, working in a Magnet environment, a shared governance management style allowing staff participation in the decision-making process at the unit level, hospital and/or corporate level, and nursing leadership advancement opportunities within a large healthcare corporation.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assists RN with daily care of patients including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders and ambulation which may include use of therapeutic assistive devices, proper positioning, range of motion and special transferring as indicated.
• Measures and documents blood pressures, TPRs (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration), I & O (Intake and Output), daily weights, and other patient data as requested. Documents accurately in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Performs purposeful rounding under direction of RN and promptly communicates observations, concerns, and needs of patient/family to RN. Documents appropriately.
• Participates in admission, transfer and discharge process under supervision of RN including room set up, orientation to room, removing linen, and proper management of patient belongings. Ensures patient call light is always in reach of patient and answers call-lights promptly.
• Collects urine, stool, and sputum specimens and performs point-of-care testing as indicated using approved process for accurate specimen labeling and identification. Maintains competency as required.
• Completes various errands as directed including pick-up and delivery of trays, charts, specimens, and reports. Maintains and orders stock for nursing area. Cleans equipment and work areas.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique and assistive devices. Performs tasks related to nutritional needs of patient under direction of RN to include diet review, tray set up/removal, proper positioning and diet selection.
• Performs tasks related to maintaining skin integrity to include proper repositioning and skin care. Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose and sequential compression devices.
• Under the direction of RN and as determined by site/unit requirements, may be required to remove IVs, provide post mortem care, and bladder scans.
• Practices within policies and procedures of infection prevention by demonstrating hand hygiene and knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with patients in isolation.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. 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 and 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 department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providerscertification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 45 days, and
• Nurse Aide in good standing as indicated with the State Registry in which the team member practices.

Education Required:

• Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), or
• High School Graduate.

Experience Required:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities.
• Certification Addendum
• Team members will maintain annual educational requirements for hospital based certifications (e.g. DNV, CARF or others).

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift.
• Must be able to:
  • lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
  • lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
  • carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
  • push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
  • perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Will be required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
• Must have functional vision and hearing.
• Will be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids on a continuous basis; therefore, protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.