Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse and in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures, the Nursing Assistant assists in caring for patients and/or families from admission through discharge.

Position Definition

The Nursing Assistant is a paraprofessional trained to provide personal care and related health care assistance to individuals who are sick, disabled, or infirm. The role supports patients who are residents of or receiving services from healthcare facilities or agencies licensed by the State of Rhode Island. The Nursing Assistant must hold a current Nursing Assistant license issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Organizational Values

Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, which guide everyday actions with patients, customers, and colleagues.

In addition, all employees are expected to demonstrate Brown University Health’s core Success Factors, including:

• Instilling trust and valuing differences
• Maintaining a patient- and community-focused approach
• Collaborating effectively with others

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, the Nursing Assistant collaborates with the care team to organize work and set priorities. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing personal care to patients
• Performing basic Nursing Assistant skills as outlined by the Rhode Island Department of Health Professional Licensing and Facility Regulation
• Assisting with daily activities of living and ambulating patients as appropriate
• Maintaining a safe environment by reporting unsafe conditions, malfunctioning equipment, or hazards to the Registered Nurse, manager, or supervisor, and removing equipment from service as needed
• Recognizing and reporting pertinent signs, symptoms, and patient observations to the Registered Nurse
• Maintaining quality assurance and infection control practices in accordance with hospital and department policies and procedures
• Accurately documenting patient care and clinical data in the electronic health record (EHR) and patient care flowsheets
• Demonstrating the ability to perform responsibilities during emergency or code situations
• Functioning as a patient observer when required
• Performing other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Basic Knowledge

• Current Rhode Island Nursing Assistant license
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Basic computer skills
• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care across the lifespan, considering aging processes, stages of human development, and cultural patterns

Experience

• One year of experience as a Nursing Assistant preferred

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in healthcare environments such as acute care hospitals, physician offices, and ancillary healthcare settings
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking required
• Repeated bending, squatting, and stooping
• Ability to lift, turn, and assist patients and equipment as necessary

Independent Action

Works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse within hospital and department policies and the regulations of the Rhode Island Department of Health. Refers complex issues or situations requiring policy clarification to the supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None