CNA - Mealtime Assistant

SMP Health - Ave Mariais recruiting for Part-time mealtime assistants to assist residents at meals working 1-1.5 hours per meal, up to 12-15 hours per week. Days of the week and hours are flexible. Must be certified as a CNA through the ND Dept of Health.PURPOSE:As a member of the interdisciplinary care team, the Mealtime Assistant assists AMV residents with eating in the Dining Room. This is completed under the direction of the residents' plans of care, policies and procedures, state and federal laws, rules and regulations and Standards of Nursing Practice.DIMENSIONS:This is a Category II position in regard to Blood-Borne Pathogen Standards. Category II includes employees who, may on occasion, assist with tasks that could involve exposure to body fluids.NATURE AND SCOPE:Location:The Mealtime Assistant is ultimately supervised by, and reports to the Nurse Manager. The Mealtime Assistant also receives word direction from the Primary Care Nurse. This position is a member of the interdisciplinary team that provides services and care to residents.Environment:SMP Health - Ave Mariais a 100-bed long-term care facility divided into four neighborhoods carrying out the Mission and Philosophy of The Sisters of Mary of the Presentation and Catholic Healthcare fostering deep RESPECT for the uniqueness of each person. We believe aging is a lifelong process. Resident focus is the primary consideration for all employees.The Nursing Department employs one Nursing Services Administrator, one Assistant Nursing Services Administrator, two Nurse Managers, one Direct Care Specialist, one Education Coordinator, RNs, LPNs, CNAs, Restorative Assistants, Bathing Assistants, one Transportation Assistant, one Health Unit Coordinator, and one Clinical Secretary who provides complete resident personal care activities in cooperation with SMP Health - Ave Mariainterdisciplinary care team, the residents' families, and community agencies as indicated.The Mealtime Assistant will assist a specified number of residents to eat in the Dining Room or in the residents' rooms. The Mealtime Assistant is able to maintain flexible working hours, such as 7:30 am to 9:30 am, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, or 5:15 pm to 7:00 pm, but must remain flexible as would be deemed necessary for optimal resident care.SMP Health - Ave Mariapractices an interdisciplinary approach to residents' overall care. This approach includes individualized plans of care which are the driving force for addressing the residents' physical, social and psycho-social needs.LOVING CARE:This staff member understands SMP Health - Ave Mariavalues, missions, and philosophy and demonstrates their understanding through their actions.Relationships are nurtured:

Develops and nurtures relationships with residents, getting to know them as individuals.

Greets and welcomes residents, fellow staff members, and guests warmly and uses positive phrases, i.e., "certainly", "I'll be happy to", and "my pleasure" when interacting with others.

Accepts and provides direction in a positive manner.

Is open to new ideas and change, always keeping residents needs and wishes in mind.

Compliments co-workers and uses words like "please" and "thank you" routinely.

Environment is hospitable:

Escorts guests to their destination rather than simply pointing them in the right direction.

Takes pride and care in their own personal appearance. Wears name badge.

Takes responsibility to keep a high level of cleanliness throughout the building.

Avoids loud conversations in hallways.

Stewardship of resources:

Makes productive use of their time while on the job.

Ad eres to lunch/break times and schedules.

Operates equipment in appropriate manner to minimize wear/tear and decrease need for repairs.

People Directed:

Fulfills residents and guests needs and works to exceed their expectations.

Uses phrases like, "How may I help you?", and "Is there anything else I can do for you?" when providing service to residents, guests, or other staff members.

Frequently asks residents for their opinion or how they feel about care/services provided.

Maximizes choices for the residents, giving residents key decision-making power in their own lives and carrying out their wishes.

Ethical:

Knocks before entering resident rooms and provides privacy as appropriate.

Keeps all resident information confidential, sharing information only with those who need to know it.

Does not discuss residents, their care, or facility business in hallways or public areas.

Compassionate Care:

Leaves paperwork or tasks to answer resident calls, lights, or requests.

Explains what they will be doing when in a resident area and informs them of any noise or discomfort they might experience.

Gives the resident their undivided attention when providing care or services to them.

Shows compassion for the resident, trying to "walk in their shoes" and understanding what they are feeling and going through.

Teamwork and Dedication:

Takes responsibility to arrive on time and as scheduled.

Talks positively about the facility.

Actively participates in department meetings.

Respectfully expresses opinions at meetings and supports team decisions once they are made.

Participates in facility committees.

Can be counted on to follow through on instructions given.

Remains calm and positive during crises or difficult situations.

Willingly helps others and provides assistance when able without having to be asked.

ATTENDANCE:Employee meets SMP Health - Ave Maria's requirements for attendance.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Mealtime Assistant is responsible for providing mealtime assistance to residents, cutting food, opening cartons, encouraging and assisting with feedings in the dining room or residents' rooms if required, serving trays and recording intake.

This position is also responsible for visiting with residents, assisting them as needed for comfort and cleanliness, and is responsible to report unusual resident conditions to the nurse.

This position, if CNA certified, may be asked to provide one to one's with residents requiring close observation and to interact with the resident and prevent them from causing injury to themselves or others.

Performs safety and infection control procedures to ensure a safe and clean environment. This includes understanding and following the procedures relating to wandering residents, fire, severe weather, universal precautions and safe operation of any equipment used. This also includes safe and conscientious movement of wheelchairs and reporting need for repairs.

Latitude:The Mealtime Assistant assists residents to eat their meals in the Dining Room or residents' rooms. The Mealtime Assistant is responsible for the cares that are related to eating, consulting with the Nurse Manager, the residents' nurse, and other nursing staff as necessary. The Mealtime Assistant is expected to prioritize his/her assigned resident assignments. If CNA certified will provide one-on-ones and report behaviors or resident needs to the nurse.Challenges:The Mealtime Assistant must encourage residents' independence and optimal functional abilities while contributing to optimal nut