Care Assistant

Job Summary And Responsibilities

This job is responsible for assisting with patient care under the direction of a Registered Nurse; performs data entry, unit secretarial functions, and equipment processing. Provides patient personal care / hygiene and physical comfort, including feeding, bathing, shaving, changing clothes, bed making, ambulation, lifting, turning, moving, transferring, skin care and bowel / bladder elimination. Provides such additional care as required to meet the personal primary needs and comfort of assigned patient based on skill, ability, limitations of scope of practice and patient acuity. Prepares patient, equipment and supplies for specific procedures / examinations. Performs, monitors, reports and documents all clinical activities within scope of practice. Observes and reports changes in patient condition to the RN. Obtains labels and transports a variety of samples (e.g. urine, stool, sputum specimens and blood products). Provides patient information to nursing staff for inclusion in the interdisciplinary plan of care; documents relevant patient data in accordance with work unit standards. Assists nursing staff in the admission, discharge and transfer of patient by performing activities such as inventory / storing patient belongings, providing patient with relevant personal care / comfort items, orienting patient / family and transporting patient to room or other location using wheelchairs, stretchers or patient bed. If assigned, checks, cleans and disinfects mobile non-critical medical equipment (e.g. IV pumps / poles, feeding pumps, cardiac monitoring equipment, cabinets, etc.) in accordance with established standards / procedures and manufacturer's instructions; assures that disinfectant is applied with sufficient contact time. Maintains a neat and organized work environment. Orders, stocks and replenishes supplies and equipment as necessary, identifies and reports problems with supplies or equipment; enters equipment repair request in system, tags equipment and removes from service. Verifies, orders and stocks supplies as needed. Maintains order in the unit on a regular basis. Cleans and returns charts and clipboards to appropriate places. Assists in maintaining overall appearance of the unit. Initiates work orders for repairs and maintenance including appropriate follow up. Labels and reports defective equipment and safety hazards. Cleans keyboard(s) according to protocol. Ensures only current forms are available and stocked and discards previous versions. Conducts environmental roundings observing for; phone in place, plugs in good condition, equipment available, menu in drawer, all containers dated and labeled, no food or drink in clinical areas etc. Maintains a safe work and patient environment, adhering to the hospital's Safety, Risk Management, Regulatory Standards and infection prevention. Uses hand hygiene in accordance with current protocol and procedures. Uses two patient identifiers when communicating right patient right procedure / test. Demonstrates awareness of and incorporates safety standards in accordance with National Patient Safety Goals and regulatory agencies. Demonstrates awareness of risk sensitive issues and reports to the RN in charge to include - patient / family concerns, physician concerns and quality of care concerns. Follows standard precautions and transmission-based precautions including personal protective equipment for anticipated contact with blood or other potentially infectious material. Assists in keeping unit in continuous survey readiness. Performs efficiently and effectively in emergency situations by completing tasks as directed. Participates in disaster preparedness and drills as assigned. Performs receptionist and support duties at the assigned unit; handles incoming and outgoing communications, transfers calls appropriately, greets and assists visitors, answers questions in accordance with established procedures. Greets and assists all customers, physicians, patients, visitors and employees in a friendly and timely manner. Facilitates and directs communication among visitors, employees and physicians within the assigned work area. Assists physicians in locating patients, staff and information. Maintains and updates phone list / rolodex / database. Accesses and uses MSO.Net as needed. Schedules appointments, tests, etc. dispatches messages to other departments. Welcomes patient to unit for room set up, show video's, if applicable, orient to phones, television, dietary ordering, etc. Assists staff as necessary with securing of patient's personal belonging(s) and valuables for safekeeping with a family member, in the appropriate unit area, or with the Security Department, assuring proper documentation is completed. Makes follow up appointments for patients. Assists with gathering patient information. Monitors and promptly responds to call lights (per unit standard). Communicates patient information, concerns, or issues to appropriate interdisciplinary team member(s). Assists and follow up with non nursing requests such as dietary or environmental services, coordination of supplies, equipment repairs, requests for special beds, service requests for all computers, printers, scanners, discarding unwanted printing, troubleshooting printers, fax machines etc. Assists with all admissions, discharges, transfers and changes within the unit.

Job Requirements

Education + Completion of an accredited Nursing Assistant program upon hire is required or Military medical specialty training upon hire required and Six months related work experience preferred and Experience in a hospital setting preferred and Experience in a specialty unit. Preference is given toward applicants with experience as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and Unit Coordinator. Licensure and Certifications + Certified Nursing Assistant : WA (CNA : WA) + Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR) Where You'll Work Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area. Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person body, mind, and spirit in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth. Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care. We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose. Pay Range $22.66 - $30.90 / hour We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer.