Care PartnerAt — Monte Vista Grove Homes

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES: The Care Partner is responsible for assisting residents with ADLs, in an RCFE setting, under the supervision of the Charge Nurse on duty.  The Care Partner follows established facility and state RCFE policies and procedures while assisting with care. The Care Partner may work in the Hearth, Ranch House, or Stewart Cottage, depending on need and training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

HEARTH, RANCH HOUSE AND STEWART COTTAGE -EACH SHIFT

• Performs all assigned tasks in accordance with RCFE and MVGH established policies and procedures, and as instructed by the Charge Nurse, Care Coordinator or Administrator.
• Assists with ADL’s as needed and permitted per RCFE guidelines while encouraging resident independence including but not limited to daily dental/mouth care, bathing, dressing, grooming, nail care, ambulating and toileting; ensures residents are properly groomed and dressed each day.
• Greets residents by name and speaks to residents and family members in a kind thoughtful manner.
• Immediately reports allegations of fraud and/or abuse, grievances, problems, incidents, or any change in a resident’s condition to the Charge Nurse, Care Coordinator or Administrator.
• Assists with medication administration per RCFE guidelines.
• Cooperates with all staff in a spirit of teamwork, including but not limited to other RCFE staff (Hearth, Ranch House, Stewart Cottage), Life Engagement, Dietary, Maintenance, ancillary services etc.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information.
• Treats all residents with kindness, dignity, and respect as demonstrated by ensuring privacy during personal care, knocking before entering a resident’s room, speaking in a language understood by the resident, etc.
• Safeguards residents’ property by being careful when handling residents’ belongings, labeling items with resident’s name and room number and storing items appropriately.
• Participates in and receives the shift report upon reporting for duty.
• Responds to all call lights, pagers, and telephone calls promptly.
• Documents care provided/assisted with in EHR in a timely manner during each shift.
• Follows established infection control policies and procedures.
• Encourages hydration through a variety of methods: individual water pitchers, community beverage dispenser, smoothies, etc.
• Encourages nutrition through the offering of snacks between meals and at bedtime.
• Performs after meal care (i.e., remove plates, clean resident’s hands, face, clothing, take to bathroom, brush teeth, clean dentures, clean kitchen, etc.).
• Reads and follows the Care/Service Plan for each assigned resident.
• Communicates any special diet needs and/or requests to the kitchen in a timely manner.
• Performs light cooking (Ranch House) and assists with meal service (all).
• Participates in Life Engagement activities.

SAFETY, SANITATION, AND INFECTION CONTROL

• Keeps kitchen clean, clutter-free, and free from expired foods.
• Checks rooms for food articles (i.e., food in proper container, unauthorized food items, etc.).
• Maintains a clean, clutter-free environment in all common areas and resident rooms/bathrooms.
• Performs non-routine housekeeping duties (i.e., clean-up after activities, meals, accidents, etc.)
• Change residents’ linens and towels; prepare resident’s personal laundry for either family to pick up or laundry service.
• Washes hands before and after assisting with or performing any care for the resident.
• Identifies safety hazards and emergency situations and initiate appropriate corrective action immediately. Understand and follows all disaster policies and procedures.
• Reports occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals to the Charge Nurse immediately.
• Notifies the Charge Nurse of any resident leaving/missing from the facility immediately.
• Follows established safety precautions in the performance of all duties and report all safety violations and/or injury immediately.
• Keeps residents’ personal possessions off the floor and properly stored.
• Keeps floors dry; reports and/or cleans up spills immediately.
• Cleans, disinfects, and returns all resident care equipment to its designated storage area after each use.
• Reports any communicable or infectious disease to the Charge Nurse, Care Coordinator or Administrator immediately.
• Follows established isolation precautions and procedures when directed.
• Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow proper procedures for donning, doffing, and storage.
• Uses only equipment you have been trained to use and immediately report any defects.
• Handles all chemicals as indicated on the label; make sure they are properly stored and kept away from residents.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

• Attends and participates in scheduled training and educational classes to maintain current certification as a Care Partner include Certified Nursing Assistant Certification, if applicable.
• Attends and participates in scheduled orientation programs and activities.
• Attends and participates in MVGH in-service training programs as instructed (including on-line training and dementia specific courses)
• Requests additional training as needed to provide high quality resident care.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends and holidays, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• May be subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED
• Licensed Certified Nursing Assistant in accordance with laws of this state (preferred), or experience as a private duty care giver, or experience in a long-term care environment.
• Experience with residents with dementia preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Must have basic computer skills (EHR Charting and email). Must be able to work with a team and follow directions. Able to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the public. Able to be to handle difficult residents. Open to new ideas and methods to assist residents. Able to maintain resident confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include an annual medical examination.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.