Nursing Assistant (I) (pacs)

Job Description

• Paid feeding assistants provide dining assistance only for residents with no complicated feeding problems. Complicated feeding problems include difficulty swallowing, recurrent lung aspirations and tube or parenteral IV feedings.

• Residents are assessed for appropriateness for the feeding assistant program by the interdisciplinary team, taking into consideration the most recent assessment and plan of care.

• Only residents who have been selected by the interdisciplinary team are eligible for feeding assistance by a paid feeding assistant.

• Paid feeding assistants must successfully complete a state approved training course taught by qualified professionals (as defined by state law) before being permitted to feed residents.

• Our facility’s state approved training program consists of eight (8) hours of training in the following topics: a. Feeding techniques; b. Assistance with feeding and hydration; c. Communication and interpersonal skills; d. Appropriate responses to resident behavior; e. Safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver; f. Infection control; g. Resident rights; and h. Recognizing changes in residents that are inconsistent with their normal behavior and the importance of reporting those changes to the supervisory nurse.

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• In conjunction with the facility’s registered dietitian (RD), an RN will oversee the Feeding Assistant Training Program to ensure that feeding techniques are taught correctly.

• Our facility’s paid feeding assistants will work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Specifically, the supervising nurse will monitor paid feeding assistants for: a. The use of appropriate feeding techniques; b. Whether they are assisting the resident according to his/her identified eating and drinking needs; c. Whether they are respecting the resident’s rights and dignity; and d. Adherence to infection control and safe food handling practices.

• The use of paid feeding assistants is not intended to substitute for nursing staff.

• In the case of an emergency, the paid feeding assistant shall call the nurse supervisor through the resident call system. continues on next page © 2001 MED PASS, Inc. (Revised October 2017)

• Paid feeding assistants will report or record resident intake after each meal, and report changes in eating patterns to the RN and/or RD.

• The administrative office will maintain a record of each individual’s completion of the Feeding Assistant Training Course and a record of all individuals used as paid feeding assistants.

• Any staff who has successfully completed the Feeding Assistant Training Program may feed residents.

• Inquiries concerning our facility’s use of paid feeding assistants should be referred to the Director of Nursing Services or to the Administrator.