Certified Nursing Assistant - EmPATH Unit

Job Description Summary

The C.N.A. provides basic patient care under the direction of a licensed nurse.

Unit Description:
The EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) Unit is a specialized hospital-based observation unit dedicated to patients with mental health emergencies. The EmPATH unit is the designated destination for medically cleared patients with need for observation and treatment while awaiting disposition. The nursing assistant will work with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers in a calming environment to provide care for adult and adolescent patients. Nursing Assistants on the EmPATH unit will be cross trained to work the adult inpatient psych unit.

Full Time Hours:
3 x 12-hour shifts
Every other weekend requirement.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC005256 ORBG - EMPATH Unit

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-19

Scheduled Weekly Hours

36

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Summary

The C.N.A. provides basic patient care under the direction of a licensed nurse.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.  Must have current South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant Certification or Patient Care Technician certificate. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.

Work Environment

May be exposed to infectious, contagious and blood borne diseases.  Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances.  Exposed to unpleasant elements including accidents, injuries and illnesses.  Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.  Must be able to handle emergency or crisis situations.  Is occasionally subject to irregular hours.  Occasional exposure to radiation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Financial Responsibilities

Financial stewardship of supplies and resources.

Essential Functions

• Recognizes, obtains and reports appropriate data to the staff.
• Provides patient care services to include basic hygiene, bathing and feeding functions. 
• Obtains vital signs
• Appropriately documents findings and information.
• Communicates appropriate information to the staff as required.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to patient comfort and privacy. 
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and unit care data.
• Has access to minimal risk medications contained in kits, trays or packs associated with certain procedures, as well as IV fluids stored in patient care areas and automated dispensing units.
• Follows the MUSC Standards of Behaviors.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements are primarily related to the essential functions of any job. In order to perform the essential functions of this position, you must be able to stand up to twelve (12) hours, walk, sit, use hands, reach, stoop, kneel, talk, hear and smell.  Must be able to lift or exert energy up to 35 pounds.  The Regional Medical Center has purchased patient transfer/lift devices to reduce the physical lifting of patients.  Safe patient handling equipment is to be utilized for the transfer and lifting of patients greater than 35 pounds.

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe area that can be seen move up/down or left/right) and depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances).

Mental Requirements

Ability to read and interpret business or safety manuals, clinical or technical procedures or regulations.  Ability to write reports, correspondence and/or manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, patients, families, other employees and medical staff.  Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to multitask and prioritize assigned and assumed responsibilities to complete tasks as necessary.

Population Served

This position primarily interacts with all age groups and provides direct patient care. All staff members must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to meet the physical, psycho/social, educational, safety, and related needs of the persons in the assigned work area.  Staff members must be able to understand and respond to the expectations and needs of patients, family members and visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.  Must have current South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant Certification or Patient Care Technician certificate. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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