Care Partner - Neurology

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Summary:

Care Partners are responsible for meeting the basic needs of patients by providing skilled levels of bedside patient care under the direction of the Registered Nurse. Care Partners also perform clerical duties necessary to the functioning of the nursing unit.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of Time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

1) General Patient Care:

Criteria

A) Carries out the patient’s plan of care as it relates to the patient’s physical needs under the direction of the Registered Nurse.

B) Delivers care requiring broad knowledge of aseptic technique, medical terminology and equipment.

C) Assists nurses and physicians with procedures.

D) Maintains knowledge of and operates equipment used in patient care safely.

E) Retrieves patient care items that are not routinely available on the unit.

F) Retrieves, recovers or follows up on patient care needs.

G) Completed unit clerical duties including the coordination of designated unit activities, transcription of orders, medical record maintenance and serving as a unit receptionist.

H) Prepares rooms prior to admissions and following discharges. Completes patient’s belongings list on admission and transfer.

I) Directs prompt and courteous attention to the needs of patients, families, and visitors.

J) Rounds with purpose.

K) Engages in service recovery activities referring unusual problems to Nurse Manager/ Designate.

L) Rounds after dietary trays are passed to ensure all meals are appropriate or as required for patient satisfaction /care needs.

M) Takes appropriate action when necessary including the resolution of issues related to late or wrong trays.

N) Feeds and sets up trays as needed.

O) Recognizes needs and initiates appropriate action in regard to maintaining supplies and equipment

P) Notifies appropriate department in order to maintain a clean safe environment (housekeeping, maintenance, dietary, etc.)

Q) Functions as a resource person to co-workers, patients/families, medical staff, and ancillary personnel.

2) Safety and Comfort

Criteria

A) Correctly places restraints; observes for constriction of circulation, changes to skin integrity, adequate breathing; knows when and how to change position; provides range of motion (ROM) and skin care, toileting, and opportunities for socialization.

B) Operates Cardiac Monitor i.e.

1. On/off switch

2. Alarms/stand-by

3. Obtaining strip

4. Lead placement

3) Vital Signs/Measurement

Criteria

A) Completes Point of Care Testing as approved by hospital and competency

B) Obtains vital signs including temperature

C) Measures abdominal girth

D) Weighs patients

E) Measures intake and output

4) Mobility and Exercise:

Criteria

A) Applies Pneumatic Air Stockings / Ted Hose

B) Ambulates, turns and positions patients.

5) Respiratory Care

Criteria

A) Assists with incentive spirometry and cough / deep breath.

B) Sets up oxygen therapy such as, nasal cannula or mask as directed by Registered Nurse.

C) Monitors pulse oximetry

D) Completes tracheostomy care

E) Performs suctioning

1. Oral

2. Tracheal: When the patient is assessed by the Registered Nurse to be stable.

6) Wound Care

Criteria

A) Places patient on specialty bed

B) Performs dressing changes (sterile and clean)

C) Cares for pin care site after assessment has been completed by the Registered Nurse. Assists in monitoring that traction weights are hanging freely and in good alignment.

7) Bowel and Bladder Elimination

Criteria

A) Administers enemas

B) Performs straight catheterization. Provides catheter care.

8) Hygiene

Criteria

A) Provides:

1. Hygiene and grooming daily

2. Mouth care (including dentures) at least twice/day.

3. Fresh water at 0800, 1600, 2400 and as needed

4. Perineal care

5. Toileting

9) Specimen Collection

Criteria

A) Obtains:

1. Midstream (clean-voided) urine spec