Works under direct supervision of the RN or LPN and reports observations to the RN or LPN. Performs patient care procedures according to established policies and procedures. Provides quality nursing care to residents in an environment that promotes their rights, dignity, freedom of choice and individuality. Provides individualized attention, which encourages each resident's abilities to maintain or attain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychological well-being. Is knowledgeable of the individualized care plan for residents and provides support to the residents according to their care plan. Contributes to the care planning process by providing the charge nurse or other care planning staff with specific information and observations of the resident's needs and preferences. Attends to the individual needs of residents, which may include assistance with grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, incontinent care, toileting, colostomy care, prosthetic appliances, transferring, ambulation, range of motion, communicating or other needs in keeping with the individuals care requirements. Maintain the comfort, privacy, and dignity of residents in the delivery services to them. Interacts with residents in a manner that displays warmth and promotes a caring environment. Fully understands all aspects of resident's rights, including the right to be free of restraints and free of abuse. Is responsible for promptly reporting to the charge nurse or administrative staff incidents or evidence of resident abuse or violation of residents' rights. Assists in maintaining a safe, neat and clean environment; reports environmental deficiencies to the charge nurse such as lighting or equipment problems. Protects the personal belongings of each resident, including eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, furnishings, jewelry, clothing and memorabilia. Promptly reports missing items according to established policy and participates in efforts to locate them. Observes residents for changes in condition or behavior and promptly reports these changes to appropriate licensed nursing personnel. Provides care that maintains each resident's skin integrity to prevent pressure ulcers, skin tears and other damage by changing incontinent residents, turning, repositioning immobile residents and by applying moisturizers to fragile skin and other areas. Answers resident's call bells promptly and courteously. Performs various tasks assigned by the charge nurse, including checking vital signs, weighing residents, bedside glucose monitoring, applying creams/ointments and collecting specimens. Assists with orienting residents and their families to the unit on admission. Lifts, moves, and transports residents, using proper body mechanics or lifting devices for accident prevention. Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with the residents, visitors, families, peers and supervisors with a courteous and respectful attitude. Assists and escorts residents for medical appointments or activities. Participates in activities as instructed. Practices careful and efficient use of supplies and linen as follows established charge procedures for resident charge items. Completes certified nursing assistant records documenting care provided or other information in keeping with department policy in a timely manner. Performs all job responsibilities with prescribed safety and infection control procedures, including thorough handwashing, use of disposable gloves and proper disposal of soiled materials. Walks extensively to and from various locations of the unit while making rounds and transports residents within the facility. Promotes a homelike environment for residents. Responds to inquiries relating to his or her particular area or requests from residents, visitors and other personnel within given time frames and established by policy.