Nurse Assistant

Job Responsibilities 

Essential Functions: 

• Provide basic patient care and activities of daily living (ADLs) under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) to support comfort, dignity, and safety 
• Assist with nutrition and hydration needs by opening containers, cutting food, or feeding patients as directed by the RN to promote adequate intake 
• Accurately measure and timely record clinical data in an electronic health record (vital signs, weight, intake/output), promptly communicating changes to the RN according to unit standards
• Support safe mobility, ambulation, positioning, and transfers using appropriate techniques to promote comfort and help prevent complications (e.g., skin breakdown) 
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized patient care environment by performing patient rounding, responding to call lights, and ensuring rooms and supplies support a positive patient experience 
• Document patient care activities and observations per unit guidelines using required tools/systems, ensuring clear handoffs and continuity of care  
• Perform Unit Secretary and clerical duties when assigned (e.g., answering phones, maintaining records, supporting unit workflow) to keep operations running smoothly 

Scope and Impact: 

• Contribute directly to patient experience and unit outcomes by delivering consistent bedside support across acute care and procedural environments under RN supervision 
• Prioritize tasks in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions, balancing multiple patient and unit needs while maintaining accuracy and compassion  
• Use judgment within defined role parameters to recognize and escalate patient concerns, changes, or safety risks promptly through established communication channels 
• Strengthen team-based care by collaborating with nurses and interdisciplinary partners to support safe, timely patient flow and a well-coordinated unit environment 

Compliance and Professional: 

• Follow organizational policies, Nursing Division standards, and New York State-aligned role expectations for unlicensed assistive patient care under appropriate supervision 
• Protect patient privacy and confidentiality by complying with HIPAA requirements and using appropriate discretion in documentation and communication  
• Apply infection prevention and control practices including hand hygiene, appropriate PPE use, and safe cleaning/disinfection routines to reduce risk of exposure and transmission 
• Complete required onboarding, education, and competency validations within established timelines, including CPR certification within the required timeframe applicable to the assigned unit 
• Use safe patient handling and ergonomic practices and follow departmental safety principles to prevent injury and maintain a safe care environment 
• Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations 

Additional Expectations: 

• Create a caring, healing environment through human connection by listening, responding promptly, and communicating with empathy—because every interaction can ease a patient’s day 
• Support a culture of belonging and shared purpose by helping coworkers succeed, participating in unit teamwork, and contributing to continuous improvement in daily care delivery 
• Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions 
• Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations 
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs 

Position Qualifications 

Required: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification 

Preferred: 

• Vocational Diploma/Certificate in Nurse Aide studies 
• NYSDOH Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) credential 
• Up to 1 year of related experience in a role or field that provides transferable skills or knowledge relevant to the position 
• Up to 1 year of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function 
• Up to 1 year of experience in the same work environment or setting (hospital, practice, department/division) 
• Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public