Resident Assistant

Job Assignment

The Resident Assistant (RA) at Rosewood Court Residential Care (RCRC) is responsible for providing personal care and assistance to the residents as needed. The RA, under the direction of the Administrator , RN Consultant and RCC will assure that the resident’s daily needs are provided for and that the resident’s service plan is being followed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Personal Care

The RA will provide personal care and assistance to each resident as needed.  This will include the following:

Dressing (full assistance or partial assist as needed)

Nail care

Oral care

Bathing

Hair care

Vital signs

Peri care

Toileting and incontinency needs

Transferring and positioning as instructed

 Service Plans

The RA will be responsible for reading, understanding and following the Service Plan interventions for each resident.  The RA will notify the Administrator or RN Consultant of any necessary additions or deletions to assure that the Service Plan is comprehensive.

Dining Room Service & Nutrition

The RA will assure that each resident arrives at meals on time and will assist the resident with meal service as appropriate.  The RA is responsible for serving meals to the resident, feeding residents, documenting intake and for clearing the dining room following each meal. The RA will be aware of the resident’s intake at meals and will notify the RN Consultant of significant changes in resident appetite, nutritional needs, difficulty with eating or swallowing and maintaining diet orders including texture and thickness of fluids.

Activities

The RA is responsible for assisting the resident in participating in the activity program as outlined by the Activity Director.  The RA will also assist and encourage resident’s physical exercise, activities, and leisure pursuits as appropriate for each resident.

Miscellaneous

The RA will be responsible for the following:

Answering call lights and alarms promptly.

Answering the main phone by the 3rd ring, if sitting at nurses station.

Observing and reporting changes in each resident’s physical and/or mental condition to the RCC/RN Consultant.

Charting on resident’s condition, behaviors, and needs per facility protocol.

Keeping resident rooms/closets in order.

 Each shift will do walking rounds with the previous shift and note any resident issues or areas of concern.

Communicate with consultants, facility co-workers and department heads as necessary to assure completion of duties.

The RA will complete any additional assignments, audits and duties as determined by the Administrator as necessary for resident care and to effectuate facility policies and procedures.

Attendance at the following facility meetings is required:  staff meetings, facility in-services pertinent to their job performance.

Assigned staff trainings are completed before the due date each month.

The RA will have knowledge of facility policies and procedures and always represent these guidelines to others.

Maintain standards of acceptable personal hygiene and adhere to the facility dress code.

Reporting pertinent information such as elopement, death or emergencies to the ADM, RN and RCC.

Will have a gait belt, working walkie, name tag and wear appropriate uniform by the beginning of each shift.

The RA will always treat the residents of RCRC with respect and dignity and be an advocate for the residents’ needs.

In representing RCRC, the RA must exhibit a professional, caring attitude always.  In keeping with RCRC’s philosophy of care, the residents’ needs are of primary concern.  All issues related to the residents and staff of RCRC are to be treated confidentially.

Requirements

Education:  Have completed a minimum of six (6) hours job-related pre-service orientation. Must have required CPR and first aid trainings.  You must complete twelve (12) hours of in-service training annually.

Experience: One (1) year of experience working with people with dementia preferred.

Skills Required:  Must have the ability to read, write and understand English. Highly motivated to provide excellent care to seniors.  Must believe in a positive, proactive, and professional attitude in communicating with residents, staff members, consultants, physicians, case managers, and family members. Must be team oriented.  Daily tasks will include standing, walking, stooping, bending, stretching and lifting and moving/assisting residents and equipment as necessary.  Must be in good health and able to carry out all necessary functions of the position.