Nursing Assistant - Med/Surg Float Pool

As a Nursing Assistant at Essentia Health, your primary responsibilities include providing direct care to patients under the guidance of registered nurses and other nursing staff. You'll assist with personal hygiene, nutritional needs, and comfort care, transfer patients safely, monitor vital signs, and maintain a sanitary environment. Importantly, you’ll also recognize and report any changes in a patient’s condition promptly, aligning with Essentia Health's mission to deliver high-quality care.

To qualify for the Nursing Assistant position at Essentia Health, you should have at least six months of experience, completion of one semester of clinical rotations in an accredited nursing program, or enrollment in the Essentia Health Nursing Assistant Foundation Course within 30 days of hire. You also need to be registered on the applicable state nursing assistant registry, and BLS certification or the ability to become certified within a month is required.

Nursing Assistants at Essentia Health receive comprehensive training designed to equip them with the necessary skills for quality patient care. This includes the option to complete the Essentia Health Nursing Assistant Foundation Course within the first 90 days of employment, covering essential nursing assistant skills and knowledge to ensure your readiness for the role. Ongoing training and career development opportunities are also available to support your growth.

The work schedule for a Nursing Assistant at Essentia Health typically involves a rotation of day, evening, and night shifts, allowing for flexibility in your work-life balance. Shift start times may vary, usually commencing at 6 am, 2 pm, or 10 pm, with shifts lasting until 2:30 pm, 10:30 pm, or 6:30 am, respectively. Weekend availability is also a part of the role, helping to ensure that patients receive continuous care.

Essentia Health offers a robust benefits package for Nursing Assistants, which includes comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings plans with employer contributions, professional development opportunities, and programs aimed at maintaining work-life balance. Employees benefit from flexible scheduling, wellness initiatives, and support for continued education, creating a positive and supportive work environment.

When answering this question, highlight a specific instance where you went above and beyond for a patient. Discuss the situation, your actions, and the outcome, focusing on how your approach aligns with Essentia Health's mission of compassionate care.

In your response, emphasize the importance of staying calm under pressure. Discuss techniques you use, such as prioritizing tasks, communicating effectively with the team, and seeking assistance when needed to ensure patient safety and quality care.

Consider discussing qualities such as empathy, patience, and strong communication skills. Explain why you believe these traits are essential for providing excellent patient care and how they help build trust with patients and colleagues.

Describe your organizational skills and approach to prioritizing tasks based on patient needs. Give examples of how you have managed multiple responsibilities effectively while maintaining attention to detail and ensuring quality care.

Emphasize the importance of promptly reporting changes to the supervising nurse. Describe a protocol you would follow to assess the situation, document your observations, and communicate effectively with your team to ensure the patient's safety.

Share a specific example where you collaborated effectively with other healthcare professionals. Highlight your roles, how you helped each other, and the positive impact it had on patient care, demonstrating that you value a team-oriented approach.

Discuss any relevant experience you have as a Nursing Assistant or within a clinical setting. Highlight your training, certifications, and specific skills that make you a great fit for the Nursing Assistant position at Essentia Health.

Stress the importance of patient confidentiality in your response. Discuss your understanding of HIPAA regulations and how you implement best practices in your daily work to protect sensitive patient information.

Share your passion for helping others and your reasons for pursuing a career in healthcare. Discuss your commitment to making a positive difference in patients' lives and how that aligns with Essentia Health's values.

Reflect on your admiration for Essentia Health's mission and values. Discuss how the organization's focus on patient care, employee development opportunities, and community impact resonates with your professional goals and personal values.