Susan Kopec

I work on the Neuro-Trauma floor at Royal Inland Hospital. We have 28 patients on the floor and I provide patient care and support for these patients alongside the nurses. My duties include:

• Perform incontinent care for patients during a shift to ensure skin integrity and apply appropriate creams to open or reddened areas.
• Observe patient skin conditions and report findings to nursing staff.
• Supervise patients on commodes, showers, on toilets, and bathrooms and assist patients with hygiene needs.
• Assist with patient hygiene, physical comfort, eating, and drinking, and mobility while observing and reporting specific changes to nursing staff.
• Arrange/reposition bedding and cushions to enhance patient comfort in bed and chairs.
• Lift patients into Broda chairs using appropriate equipment in accordance with moving and handling policy.
• Transfer patients from stretchers to bed using slider- board with proper body mechanics to prevent injury.
• Maintain clean environment with due consideration to health and safety issues and infection control policy.
• Participate in cleaning and maintenance of medical equipment wiping vital machines, WOW's (workstations on wheels), Sara Steady, and commodes with Cavi wipes between patient uses.
• Change bed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
• Help patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
• Adhere to patient special diets and provide supplementary drinks under dietary guidelines.
• Respond to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
• Perform infection control procedures and prevention practices in rooms and patient areas.
• Assist nursing staff with completing daily rounds, emptying foley catheter bags, answering call bells.
• Report to on-coming care aides at shift change, any information needed to ensure on-going quality patient care.