Health Unit Coordinator HUC

American Addiction Centers•Milwaukee, WI

1d•$20 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) assists the Registered Nurse (RN) with the daily care of patients, including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders, and ambulation. This role involves measuring and documenting vital signs, intake and output, and daily weights, as well as accurately documenting patient information in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). The HUC participates in the admission, transfer, and discharge process, ensuring patient call lights are accessible and promptly answered. They perform purposeful rounding, communicate observations to the RN, and handle patient positioning and transporting duties. Additionally, the HUC assists with nutritional needs, maintaining skin integrity, and managing patient supplies. They collect specimens, perform point-of-care testing, and may assist with tasks such as removing IVs, providing post-mortem care, and performing bladder scans under RN direction. The HUC also coordinates tests and treatments, maintains knowledge of departmental functions, and processes patient charges. They facilitate communication via telephone and hospital information systems, screen calls, and maintain department office equipment. Compiling chart forms and obtaining medical records for transfers are also key responsibilities. The role requires establishing positive customer relations and fostering a harmonious work environment, demonstrating proper phone etiquette and communication skills. The HUC must demonstrate knowledge and skills appropriate for the age of the patients served, understanding growth and development principles.

Requirements

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 45 days, and Nurse Aide in good standing as indicated with the State Registry in which the team member practices.
Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), or High School Graduate.
None.
Basic computer skills.
Excellent oral and written communications.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to interruptions and changing priorities/workloads.
High level of attention to detail essential.
Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift.
Must be able to: lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
Will be required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
Must have functional vision and hearing.
Will be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids on a continuous basis; therefore, protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

Nice To Haves

Team members will maintain annual educational requirements for hospital based certifications (e.g. DNV, CARF or others).

Responsibilities

Assists RN with daily care of patients including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders and ambulation which may include use of therapeutic assistive devices, proper positioning, range of motion and special transferring as indicated.
Measures and documents blood pressures, TPRs (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration), I & O (Intake and Output), daily weights, and other patient data as requested.
Documents accurately in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
Participates in admission, transfer and discharge process under supervision of RN including room set up, orientation to room, removing linen, and proper management of patient belongings.
Ensures patient call light is always in reach of patient and answers call-lights promptly.
Performs purposeful rounding under direction of RN and promptly communicates observations, concerns, and needs of patient/family to RN.
Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique and assistive devices.
Performs tasks related to nutritional needs of the patient under direction of RN to include diet review, tray set up/removal, proper positioning and diet selection.
Performs tasks related to maintaining skin integrity to include proper repositioning and skin care.
Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose and sequential compression devices.
Collects urine, stool, and sputum specimens and performs point-of-care testing as indicated using approved process for accurate specimen labeling and identification.
Maintains competency as required.
Under direction of RN and as determined by site/unit requirements, may be required to remove IVs, provide post mortem care and perform bladder scans.
Practices within policies and procedures of infection prevention by demonstrating hand hygiene and knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with patients in isolation.
Coordinates tests and treatments with and between various departments for patients on nursing units.
Maintains a working knowledge of functions and services offered by all diagnostic and treatment departments to facilitate the scheduling of tests and treatments.
Maintains working knowledge of EHR system and other computer systems for ordering patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Processes daily patient charges and/or related procedures through the system.
Facilitates communications required to support patient care, including the multiple-line telephone, unit/site paging and the hospital information system.
Screens incoming telephone calls.
Monitors department office equipment and troubleshoots minor problems.
Arranges repair of major malfunctions.
Compiles necessary chart forms for admissions, transfers, discharges and expirations.
Obtains appropriate copies of medical records for transfers to nursing homes and other health care facilities.
Verifies medical records contain complete and accurate patient demographic information, patient identification and registration in the medical record, including appropriate level of care.
Establishes and maintains positive customer relations and contributes to a harmonious work environment.
Quickly and courteously acknowledges requests, responds to call lights, demonstrates proper phone etiquette and fosters communication between the health care team.
Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.

Benefits

Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
Competitive compensation
Generous retirement offerings
Programs that invest in your career development
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program