Nursing Attendant - Telemetry/Observation

NA - Telemetry/Observation Unit (Tele/Obs)

• 30-bed unit specializing in cardiac, medical, and surgical patients
• Individualized, comprehensive orientation program.
• Basic Rhythm course, ACLS certification, and NIHSS course provided.
• Mentorship program after orientation
• Full time (72 hours biweekly)
• Shift: 6-6 (12-hour night)
• Every third weekend
• Eligible for weekend differential

The nursing attendant functions as an integral part of the patient care team by performing selected patient care treatments and tasks as delegated by licensed nurse.  Is accountable for own action in performing duties as assigned and for which he/she is trained.  Included is recognition and understanding of the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes unique to the age/population group served on the unit.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Job Class Specifics
1.   Demonstrates ability to communicate pertinent information to the primary nurse.
2.   Seeks guidance and direction, as necessary, for performance of duties and completion of assignment.
3.   Assists and maintains a neat, clean and safe environment for patients and other nursing staff.
4.   Attends 50% of in-services and staff meetings for area.
5.   Familiar with duties and performs them independently, accurately, efficiently, promptly, recognizing their importance and relationship to patient care for all age/population groups.
6.   Receives instructions and follows directions accurately and in a cooperative manner.
7.   Observes changes in patient condition & promptly reports to primary nurse.
8.   Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self and others.  Safely positions, transfers, and transports patients.
9.   Assists in maintaining equipment assigned to patient care and reports malfunctioning of equipment to appropriate personnel.
10.   Assists in orientation of new personnel to the unit by being friendly and encouraging and serving as a preceptor or "buddy".
11.   Recognizes and responds to priorities in the patient care process.  Readily adapts to changes in workload and responds efficiently.
12.   Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
13.   Anticipates units' needs, and promptly answers/responds to patient call lights, pages and safety checks.
14.   Assists in post mortem care and transports the body to Morgue on occasion.
15.   Performs external cardiac compressions to patients during Code Blue activities if required.
16.   Transports medications within the hospital as requested and needed according to Hospital policy.

Telemetry:

1.   Completes patient ADL’s.
2.   Applies patient electrodes and attaches patient to monitor on arrival to unit.
3.   Performs 12 lead EKG's.
4.   Completes 75 % of age-specific newsletters yearly.
5.   Cross trains to all Critical Care Department areas.

Education:  Formal Education and Training - High school graduate or the equivalent preferred or a graduate of a nursing educational program.  

Experience:  Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required.   Previous experience as a Nursing Attendant, Nurse Aide, or the completion of a nurse aide training program or enrolled in a nursing educational program required.

Certifications/Licensure:    Basic Life Support (BLS)