Nursing Assistant

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and in accordance with hospital and departmental policies, the Nursing Assistant supports patient care from admission through discharge.

This role involves assisting patients and families while promoting a safe, respectful, and compassionate care environment.

DEFINITION

A Nursing Assistant is a paraprofessional trained to provide personal care and related health services to individuals who are sick, disabled, or infirm. This role requires licensure as a Nursing Assistant issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health and applies to individuals working in state-licensed healthcare facilities or agencies.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s core values:

  • Compassion
  • Accountability
  • Respect
  • Excellence

Core Success Factors:

  • Instill Trust and Value Differences
  • Patient and Community Focus and Collaboration

RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care Support

  • Collaborate with the Registered Nurse to organize work and prioritize patient care
  • Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)
  • Provide personal care in accordance with patient needs
  • Assist with patient mobility, transfers, and ambulation
  • Support rehabilitation activities as appropriate

Clinical Support

  • Perform basic Nursing Assistant skills as defined by the Rhode Island Department of Health
  • Observe and report patient conditions, changes, and symptoms to the Registered Nurse
  • Accurately document care and observations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and patient care flowsheets
  • Assist in emergency or code situations as required
  • May function as a patient observer

Safety & Environment

  • Maintain a safe and clean patient environment
  • Identify and report unsafe conditions or equipment in need of repair
  • Follow infection control and quality assurance protocols
  • Adhere to all hospital and departmental safety procedures

Communication & Teamwork

  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members
  • Support a respectful, collaborative team environment
  • Escalate concerns or issues to the Registered Nurse or supervisor

Additional Duties

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Certification

  • Current Rhode Island Nursing Assistant license required
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Basic computer skills required
  • Certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required

Skills & Knowledge

  • Understanding of patient care across the lifespan, including:

    • Aging processes
    • Developmental stages
    • Cultural considerations
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Experience

  • One (1) year of Nursing Assistant experience preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Work performed in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, physician offices, ancillary facilities)
  • Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking
  • Frequent bending, squatting, and stooping
  • Ability to lift, turn, and reposition patients and equipment

INDEPENDENT ACTION

  • Works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse within established hospital policies and state regulations
  • Refers complex or unclear issues to a supervisor for guidance

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • None

Pay Range

$18.00-$25.82

Location

The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906

Work Type

7p-7a, every other weekend, every other holiday

Work Shift

Night

Daily Hours

12 hours

Driving Required

No

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.