Job Details

Observation/Monitoring

• Obtains vital signs, temperature, height/length, weight, oxygen saturation and pain scores; reports abnormal values to RN.  Obtains other measurements (i.e., head circumference, abdominal girth) per unit standard. 
• Utilizes palpation/auscultation and Doppler to determine heart rate and blood pressure.
• Observes, monitors and reports the overt physical condition of assigned patient(s).
• Measures and records intake and output.
• Functions as a sitter.
• Assists physician/provider during diagnostic procedures; assists and supports patient before and during procedures; assists in specimen collection. 
• Responds to monitor alarms.
• Reapplies pulse ox probe.

Specimen Collection

• Performs point of care testing; maintains and calibrates equipment and supplies. 
• Collects specimens, including urine, stool, sputum and swabs, and performs urine determination including sugar, acetone, specific gravity protein, pH.
• Performs finger/heel stick blood collection and chemstick test.    
• Initiates, maintains and records 24-hour urine collection. 
• Transports blood and laboratory specimens.
• Intravenous Lines
• Discontinues peripheral IV's.
• Removes peripheral IV dressings.

Patient ADLs

• Assists patients with, or administers routine personal hygiene including baths, oral care, skin care, umbilical cord and circumcision care.
• Performs oral suctioning utilizing Yankauer tips, suction toothbrushes and oral care sponges.
• Performs preventative skin care, pre-operative preps, perineal care.
• Provides toileting/bedpan/urinal; remove/empty foley catheters; weighs diapers. 
• Accompanies, escorts, ambulates, moves, turns, dangles, lifts, transports and attends/holds/positions patients. 
• Assists with range of motion; applies rehabilitation equipment; releases and applies devices, i.e., wheelchair seatbelt, adaptive equipment, etc., in accordance with specific instructions, to position patients to limit movements.
• Provides patient nourishment by performing such duties as passing and collecting trays, providing snacks/beverages, assists with ordering meals/snacks; feeds patients.
• Double check breast milk with RN.

Urinary Catheters

• Connects, drains and disconnects urinary catheters.
• Assembles intermittent bladder irrigation supplies.
• Discontinues urinary catheters.
• Applies condom catheter.
• Performs clean urinary catheterizations (Pediatrics only).
• Determines bladder status with Bladder Scanner.

Enemas/Suppositories

• Administers cleansing enemas that do not contain medication. 
• Applies external Fecal Incontinence Device (FID) bags.

Wound Care

• Cleanses and redresses non-sterile wounds.
• Applies binders, ACE wraps, hot and cold applications; provides soaks and special baths.
• Assists RN with complex dressing changes.

Respiratory Care

• Assist with tracheostomy care on stable tracheotomies including such duties as cleaning and redressing area; assisting with tape and tie changes. 
• Assist with P&PD by holding the patient. 
• Coach/prompt patient to use incentive spirometer, and in coughing and deep breathing.

Other Interventions

• Measures and obtains TED hose; applies Sequential Compression Devices.
• Performs post-mortem care and transports deceased patients to the morgue/pathology.
• Responds to call lights and alarms; answer unit telephone and relay messages prn.
• Empties and measures drainage collection and emesis.
• Assists RN with admissions, discharges, and transfers.
• Provides skin care at the direction of the RN, applying select topical emollients containing medication (i.e., cortisones, tar, silvidine, butt cream, and dermatology lotions).
• Initiates emergency care utilizing the "ABC's": Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
• Transports materials, supplies, medications, specimens, patient belongings, equipment and medical records.
• Performs patient care comfort-safety rounds per unit routine.