Unit Assistant

Job Qualifications

EDUCATION – Required

High School Diploma or equivalent (G. E.D.), may include specialized or vocational courses 

CERTIFICATION – Required

AHA Heartsaver

EXPERIENCE - Preferred

1 year Hospital or health care related experience.

SKILLS – Required

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong customer service orientation.

Working Conditions

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Continuously stand/walk or lift/handle/carry material or equipment of moderate weight (20 to 50 lbs). Examples: Nurses, LPNs, and Physical Therapists.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Located in an indoor area with frequent exposure to mild physical discomfort from dust, fumes, temperature, and noise. Examples: patient care providers and laboratory technicians.

HAZARDS

OSHA Category 1

Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and other potentially infectious materials.

POSITION & UNIT ACCOUNTABILITIES – AKA Competencies

• Responds to customer concerns as soon as possible with compassion and understanding.

• Safeguards the privacy and dignity of families and patients.

• Demonstrates mission and values with patients, families, peers and other members of the health care team.

• Recognizes, respects and adapts to social, cultural and religious beliefs of patients, families and practices in the provision of care.

• Complies with policies and procedures concerning infection control and safety in order to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff.

• Follows Standard Precaution policies regarding handling and safe disposal of "sharps".

• Understands and observes the basic principles of aseptic technique.

• Demonstrates competency, safety, and use of Standard Precautions in those tasks and aspects of patient care assigned per unit standards.

• Reports for duty punctually.

• Maintains satisfactory attendance record.

• Manages time appropriately to meet patient, department, and Hospital needs.

• Attends staff meetings and/or acknowledges meeting minutes.

• Maintains a professional appearance; adheres to fingernail policy of 1/4" natural nail length with no nail enhancements.

• Provides input to nursing management and demonstrates accountability for inventory of supplies, equipment, and environmental needs of the unit.

• Adjusts to changing situations and work assignments with a positive attitude.

• Maintains orderliness of patient care areas e.g., corridors, exam rooms, utility rooms, equipment rooms, supply shelves, etc.

• Initiates and maintains open and effective communication with patients, family and interdisciplinary team.

• Identifies and resolves basic problems and refers them to the appropriate person when beyond scope of ability or authority.

• Demonstrates emotional control in stressful situations.

• Assists with the transportation of patients, equipment and related materials upon request or in accordance with unit/service requirements.

• Takes direction from the Registered Nurse or team leader for duration of shift.

• Locks wheelchairs/stretchers during transfer; uses rails and safety belts of stretchers.

• Completes mandatory annual Hospital, State and Joint Commission in-services.

• Participates in ongoing education and training to enrich knowledge and validate competency to meet the specific clinical needs of the patient population and department.

• Maintains supplies such as red bags, black bags, cleaning supplies, brushes, gloves, suction canisters and tubing, irrigation solutions, etc., at all times.

• Recognizes when equipment needs repair and follows up with appropriate personnel or department.

• Knows location of supplies and equipment.

• Has knowledge of set-ups for different table parts, positioning devices, hand table, bean bags, tourniquets, etc.

• Obtains and returns equipment promptly as needed.

• Assists in positioning patients for anesthetic blocks and surgical procedures under guidance of anesthesiologist and RN.

• Maintains a hazard-free environment by disposing of filled linen hampers and medical waste appropriately.