Unit Assistant

Hospital for Special Surgery•New York, NY

About The Position

The Unit Assistant supports patient care and unit operations in a hospital setting. The role assists with patient, equipment, and material transportation; helps position patients for anesthetic blocks and surgical procedures under the guidance of an anesthesiologist and registered nurse; maintains supplies and equipment; and helps keep patient care areas safe, orderly, and hazard-free. The Unit Assistant follows direction from the registered nurse or team leader during the shift and demonstrates safe practices, effective communication, and compassionate service to patients, families, colleagues, and other members of the health care team.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED); specialized or vocational courses may be included.
AHA Heartsaver certification.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong customer service orientation.

Nice To Haves

One year of hospital or health care-related experience.

Responsibilities

Respond to customer concerns promptly with compassion and understanding.
Safeguard the privacy and dignity of patients and families.
Demonstrate the organization’s mission and values in interactions with patients, families, peers, and the health care team.
Respect and adapt to patients’ and families’ social, cultural, and religious beliefs in the provision of care.
Follow infection control and safety policies and procedures.
Follow Standard Precaution policies for handling and safely disposing of sharps.
Observe basic principles of aseptic technique and demonstrate competency and safety in assigned patient care tasks.
Report for duty punctually, maintain satisfactory attendance, and manage time to meet patient, department, and hospital needs.
Attend staff meetings or acknowledge meeting minutes, and complete mandatory annual hospital, state, and Joint Commission in-services.
Maintain a professional appearance and comply with the fingernail policy.
Provide input to nursing management and be accountable for inventory of unit supplies, equipment, and environmental needs.
Adapt positively to changing situations and work assignments.
Maintain orderliness in patient care areas, including corridors, exam rooms, utility rooms, equipment rooms, and supply shelves.
Communicate openly and effectively with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
Identify and resolve basic problems and refer issues beyond the role’s ability or authority to the appropriate person.
Demonstrate emotional control in stressful situations.
Assist with transportation of patients, equipment, and related materials as requested or required by the unit.
Take direction from the registered nurse or team leader for the duration of the shift.
Lock wheelchairs and stretchers during transfers and use stretcher rails and safety belts.
Participate in ongoing education and training to maintain knowledge and validate competency for the clinical needs of the patient population and department.
Maintain required supplies, including red bags, black bags, cleaning supplies, brushes, gloves, suction canisters and tubing, and irrigation solutions.
Recognize when equipment needs repair and follow up with the appropriate personnel or department.
Know the location of supplies and equipment and the setups for table parts, positioning devices, hand tables, bean bags, and tourniquets.
Obtain and return equipment promptly as needed.
Assist with positioning patients for anesthetic blocks and surgical procedures under the guidance of an anesthesiologist and registered nurse.
Maintain a hazard-free environment by disposing of filled linen hampers and medical waste appropriately.