Nursing Assistant - Surgical Unit

Surgical Unit 

Our surgical unit is dedicated to providing high-quality care for patients undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures. Specializing in same-day or overnight hip and knee replacements, bariatric surgeries, and spine surgeries, we also adeptly manage unexpected illnesses and surgeries. These include, but are not limited to, bowel resections, small bowel obstructions, amputations, appendicitis, cholecystectomy, and cholelithiasis. Our experienced and compassionate team is committed to delivering exceptional care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. 

Our multidisciplinary team comprises skilled nurses, nursing assistants, and clinical coordinators who work collaboratively to support patients throughout their surgical journey. From pre-operative preparation to post-operative recovery, we focus on comprehensive patient education, effective pain management, and holistic care strategies to promote quick and successful recoveries. 

We take pride in our strong sense of teamwork, professionalism, and empathy. Our unit fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development, encouraging team members to engage in educational presentations, creative projects, and other initiatives that enhance our collective knowledge and skills. This collaborative environment ensures that we provide the latest and most effective care practices. 

Serving a diverse population, our unit is dedicated to creating a supportive and positive experience for patients and their families. We emphasize open communication, flexibility, and a compassionate approach, addressing the unique needs and concerns of each individual under our care. 

Status:  Full Time (72 Hours Biweekly)

Schedule:  Day/Evening (7:00 a.m.– 7:30 p.m.)

Weekend Requirement:  Every third weekend 

Holiday Requirement:  Every other holiday

Call Requirement:  No 

General Summary

Provides clinical support services to patient care staff by performing a variety of duties related to patient care. Takes patient vital signs, assists patients with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, feeding, toileting, etc.), inventories and replenishes supplies and equipment, and performs special assigned duties such as performing EKGs and Point-of-Care testing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provides general nursing care and personal care assistance to patients, including activities of daily living and the removal of peripheral IVs and indwelling urinary catheter.
• Monitors patient condition levels; recognizes and reports changes in patient condition to the registered nurse.
• Possess the knowledge and skills to keep patients safe. Performs purposeful hourly rounds to identify and address patient needs.
• Obtains and electronically documents patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, weight, respiration and pulse.
• Train and precept new employees.
• Performs Point-of-Care testing which may include blood glucose, hemocult and specific gravity testing. Performs quality control and instrument check procedures and maintains related records.
• Prepares patients for tests, procedures, etc. and transports patients to tests, procedures and different levels of care.
• Collects specimens as directed using appropriate or specified equipment for collecting and handling specimens.
• Performs EKGs and transmits studies.
• Obtains and removes equipment and supplies necessary for patient care.
• Responsible for maintaining and storing equipment appropriately and completing electronic requests for equipment repairs.
• Maintains par levels of supplies and equipment on assigned unit(s). Notifies supervisor when reorder points are reached.
• Responsible for stocking patient rooms, nursing areas, supply carts, etc. with appropriate items at required levels.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participates in educational programs and in-service meetings.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Required

Work Experience:

• Less than 1 year Relevant experience. Required

Licenses:

• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required
• Certified Nurse Aide Upon Hire Preferred

Benefits Offered:

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Education assistance
• Financial education and support, including DailyPay
• Expanded Paid Parental Leave

For additional details: Benefits & Incentives | WellSpan Careers (joinwellspan.org)