Page 21 - UNC MC Assistive Personnel Orientation Manual 2020

Role of the PNA (Personal Nursing Assistant)

Criteria for Personal Nursing Assistant Assignment
There are five situations in which a PNA is required by UNC
Health Care policy:
1. Patients assessed to be actively suicidal in non-
psychiatric and Intensive Care areas.
2. Patients under involuntary commitment in non-
psychiatric areas.
3. Patients with a physician order for violent restraint
4. Order for a non-violent four point restraint per Center
for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) regulation
and hospital policy.
5. Patients at risk for elopement. Elopement Risk
Assessment, Risk Reduction, and Intervention

Note: ICU patients with the capability to follow through on a suicide attempt
may require 1:1 observation
Note: Forensic patients on suicide precautions with a correctional service guard do not require a PNA.

Expectations and Requirements of Personal Nursing Assistant

 Adhere to North Carolina Board of Nursing Guidelines
regarding scope of practice and UNC Hospitals position
description.
 Remain within constant observation of the patient at all times,
including during toileting and other uses of the bathroom, with
no barriers (i.e. table) to enable immediate intervention.
 Report to the unit Charge Nurse upon arrival to the unit.
 Adhere to breaks with relief coverage as assigned by the
Charge Nurse.
 Maintain patient safety at all times.
 Maintain a safe environment including a check of the physical
space when they first enter the patient room (i.e. No sharp
objects within patient’s reach).
 Communicate care findings and observations to the patient’s
assigned RN or Charge Nurse.
 Document patient observations, status, and care provided on
the appropriate form(s) with initials/signature as indicated.

Reference: Assignment of Personal Nursing Assistants

Nursing Practice and Professional Development / Assistive Personnel Orientation 2020 Page 20