ED Tech/Health Unit Coordinator

EvergreenHealth Monroe•Monroe, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

EvergreenHealth Monroe is hiring an experienced Emergency Department Tech/Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) for its Emergency Department. The role combines direct patient care with health unit coordination and clerical support. The employee assists physicians, physician assistants, and nursing staff; takes direction from the RN; and provides care appropriate to each patient's age and within the scope of practice. The role requires professional conduct consistent with hospital policies and Standards of Excellence, effective communication, and strong organizational and prioritization skills. Cross-training opportunities in other departments are available for professional development. The position includes maintaining department supplies and orderly spaces; taking and documenting vital signs; assisting with wound care, suturing, splinting, pelvic exams, and patient transport; performing phlebotomy after completing the required competency and certification steps; and carrying out health unit coordinator duties such as phone calls, chart and log maintenance, computer entry, and discharge paperwork. The role also involves transporting specimens to the laboratory, assisting patients with bathroom needs, and completing shift checklists. The work involves exposure risks including communicable diseases, hazardous substances, and blood and body fluids, as well as physical activity such as standing, walking, lifting, and transferring patients. The position is supervised by the Assistant Clinical Nurse Manager and Administrative Supervisor and does not supervise others. It is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between EvergreenHealth Monroe and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

Requirements

High school degree or equivalent.
Upon hire, one of the following is required: Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist Certification, Medical Assistant–Certified, Med Tech Certification, or Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC).
Current BLS certification is required.
Must possess active Washington State Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist Certification. If not held on the hire date, the employee must begin a training program at hire that meets WAC requirements, complete the program, and submit an application to the DOH within 90 days of starting phlebotomy training.
Complete a bloodborne pathogen class as part of EvergreenHealth Monroe new-hire orientation.
Ability to work independently and with a variety of peers and physicians.
Ability to use multi-line telephones, copiers, and fax machines.
Intermediate computer skills, including computer order-entry skills.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and interact with diverse contact groups.
Ability to stand for long periods, lift at least 50 pounds, move quickly throughout the hospital, and lift and transfer patients using good body mechanics and provided zero-lift equipment.
Natural or corrected near visual acuity to read charts, orders, equipment dials, displays, and gauges, and natural or corrected hearing to communicate effectively.

Nice To Haves

Previous hospital or Emergency Department experience is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist physicians, physician assistants, and nursing staff with direct patient care, taking direction from the RN and working within the scope of practice.
Stock and maintain Emergency Department supplies, keep the unit orderly, and clean up after self and patients as needed.
Enter information into the computer, print forms, and prepare physician-prescribed ExitCare discharge instructions.
Complete appropriate patient charting and age-specific documentation, including documentation of wound care, splinting, crutches, blood draws, and vital signs.
Take and document vital signs on admission and discharge and during hourly rounding, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, and weight.
Assist with suturing, wound care, setup and cleanup, dressing application, and wound irrigation as directed by a physician or RN.
Maintain charts and Emergency Department, transfer, fax, and orthopedic logs.
Place and answer phone calls, copy charts for admitted patients, and perform other HUC duties as assigned by the RN, PA, or MD.
Transport patients from the lobby or a car and return them to the lobby or waiting car at discharge, using a wheelchair or walking as appropriate.
Complete the Daily ED HUC/Tech checklist each shift and report patient needs to the RN.
Communicate effectively with PAs, physicians, peers in other departments, pre-hospital providers, patients, and families.
Transport blood and urine specimens to the laboratory.
Assist patients with bathroom needs and collect urine and stool when needed.
Perform venipuncture for laboratory draws after competency is completed and the required PC certificate is held.
Administer oral, topical, and nasal vaccines after competency is completed and the required PC certificate is held.
Assist with pelvic exams and help medics move patients onto beds.
Help patients change into gowns and obtain initial vital signs.
Complete other duties as assigned by the Charge Nurse.
Arrive on time and ready for work, dressed in scrubs.