DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is non-professional work involving the care of patients and the performance of such indirect or non-nursing services for patients as are not required to be performed by a Licensed Practical or Registered Professional Nurse. Work is subject to general supervision, except activities concerned with actual care of patients, which are performed under direct supervision by the registered nurse in charge of the patient. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Assists in walking, feeding and bathing patients and caring for their personal needs;
  
• Assists nurses in lifting and turning heavy or helpless patients, in restraining irrational patients, in holding patients for treatment, in care of involuntary and disturbed patients, and in preparing patients for surgery;
• Helps regulate number of visitors and gives information to visitors in accordance with instructions from the nurse in charge;
• Assembles information concerning the patient's condition and enters reports on the patient's record;
• Cleans and sterilizes hospital equipment;
• Labels and stores patient's clothes and turns over valuables to person designated by hospital;
• May assist with care and moving of room furniture, fixtures and supplies to help keep patients safe and comfortable;

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Ability to understand and carry out non-technical, oral and written directions relative to care of patients; physical strength and mental alertness; willingness to cooperate and to carefully follow a prescribed routine; discretion; tact and good judgment; ability to get along well with others and to secure cooperation of patients; neatness and good appearance; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: None is required.

NOTE: Nursing Assistants must successfully complete the New York State Health Department 100 hour training program and pass the clinical and written examination as required within four months of appointment. These requirements will be necessary for the successful completion of the probationary period.

APPROVED: July 14, 1989
CIVIL SERVICE CLASSIFICATION: Labor