Original Posting Date 10/12/2018

~~Nursing Technician

A. Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Nursing Technician delivers patient care utilizing the Relationship-Based Care model as a framework. The Nurse Technician provides care and takes initiative to improve patient outcomes by supporting Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice and Magnet’s Five Models of Care in clinical practice.
Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Nurse Technician functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.

B. Essential Responsibilities

1. Clinical

a. Participates in the admission and discharge processes as assigned:
i. Sets up patients’ rooms
ii. Sets up and complies with contact, airborne and/or droplet precautions
iii. Complies with appropriate infection control guidelines as instructed by RN
iv. Introduces self to the patient and family, provides patients with admission/information pack, and provides assistance as needed
v. Orients patient and family to room including explaining visiting hours, bed functions, and use of television, telephone, and call light
vi. Assists with patient discharge as assigned, ensuring that all patient belongings go with the patient
vii. Provides post-mortem care

b. Performs and records basic nursing functions
i. Responds to patient call lights
ii. Measures and records vital signs
iii. Measures and records weight and height
iv. Monitors and reinforces use of incentive spirometer, deep breathing and coughing
v. Measures and records abdominal girth
vi. Inspects patient’s skin and notifies RN of any abnormalities or changes

c. Physical Treatments and Care
i. Prepares patients for diagnostic and therapeutic tests as directed by the RN
ii. Applies simple dressings as directed by the RN
iii. Maintains oxygen therapy
iv. Safely operates patient care equipment such as SCDs, pulse oximeters, specialty beds, weighing devices, and cardiac chairs
v. Empties drains and documents amount and color of drainage
vi. Performs range of motion, assists with patient ambulation and transfers
vii. Collects and labels in front of patient various specimens including sputum, urine and stool
viii. Performs Point of Care testing as assigned.
ix. Provides care for incontinent patients promoting skin integrity and utilizing appropriate products

d. Nutrition and Hygiene
i. Assists patients with meeting hydration and nutritional needs
 

Title: Nursing Technician

ii. Records intake and output amounts, performs calorie counts and provides meal supplements
iii. Positions patient for oral intake to prevent aspiration
iv. Monitors and reinforces fluid restrictions.
v. Performs a.m. or p.m. care, including back rubs, oral hygiene, making occupied and unoccupied beds. Shaves and prepares patient for OR, assists with bed baths, and assists patient with other activities of daily living.

e. Documentation and Communication
i. Receives assignment from RN and consults and contributes to the patient’s plan of care
ii. Documents patient information in EMR and on appropriate forms including flow sheets, admission database, and checklists
iii. Reinforces patient teaching provided by nurse
iv. Acts as a patient / family advocate by providing comfort, assistance and information.
v. Provides feedback to RN on patient care and condition as directed
vi. Demonstrates a commitment to the Medical Center’s values through teamwork and effective communication in an effort to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment

2. Professional/Leadership

a. Advocates for patients, families, and their significant others and the community.
b. Participates in organizational, departmental and shared leadership activities; supports department and unit goals in daily behavior.
c. Demonstrates accountability for job performance by: (1) seeking opportunities to enhance job skills and knowledge; (2) maintaining conditions of employment (Nurse Assistant Certificate, BLS and other required unit-specific requirements).

3. Organizational

a. Adheres to the Medical Center’s Code of Conduct.
b. Treats patients/families, staff, students and visitors with respect and dignity.
c. Adheres to Nursing’s time, overtime and attendance policies.
d. Completes electronic learning modules and related programs as assigned by Medical Center Learning by established date
e. Complies with University Health Services TB and fit-testing requirements
f. Utilizes established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems.
g. Identifies recurring clinical practice and/or related unit problems and participates in problem solving and resolution.

4. Education/Research

a. Collaborates with other staff to identify, promote and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students
b. Serves as a resource to other nursing staff and students
c. Accesses Medical Center intranet for relevant communication and to review and interpret changes in policy, procedure and other information pertinent to practice
 

Title: Nursing Technician

d. Supports nursing and multidisciplinary research efforts conducted on the unit and in the Medical Center.
e. Takes responsibility for continued professional growth/development by identification of learning needs and initiates strategies to meet such needs.

C. Position Requirements

1. High School Graduate or Equivalent.
2. Certificate from a State-accredited school as a Nursing Aide or copy of Nurse Aide Training competency evaluation issued by the state of Illinois or copy of RN Diploma or transcripts from an accredited nursing school
3. Current AHA BLS/CPR and other required unit-specific certifications
4. One year of patient care experience gained in a hospital, clinic or nursing home

D. Reporting Structure

This person works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) who provides direction and supervision on a continual basis.  The Director/Manager, acting as coach and mentor, provides additional direction, guidance, and feedback regarding practice and performance. The employee’s performance is evaluated annually in writing and more frequently if needed. The employee and Director/Manager meet on an as needed basis for coaching and mentoring where support, guidance and direction can be given.

E. Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, climb stairs, bend, stretch, lift and have adequate (baseline) sensory functions: sight, smell, hearing and manual dexterity.

F. Work Environment

Work may be performed in varied locations inside/outside of the hospital, such as, but not limited to patient care unit, operating rooms, recovery rooms, clinical and research labs and offices. Duties may include travel by vehicle. Work may involve exposure to contagious diseases, radiation, anesthesia gases, chemicals, caustic materials, sophisticated electronic equipment and hazards associated with its use, physical injury from patients, visitors, mechanical devices and other hospital equipment.

• Certified Nursing Assistant in IDPH required
• Previous experience required.
• Experience in High Risk OB, Emergency Room, or Adult inpatient preferred.
• Excellent attendance, interpersonal skills, and work history required.