Unit Assistant UA - Med Surg - FT Days Lumpkin

Northeast Georgia Health System•Dahlonega, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Unit Assistant provides a wide variety of support services for assigned units, including clerical support, maintaining patient records, unit supplies and equipment, and facilitating communications. The role also performs patient care within the defined scope of practice and interacts with patients, the public, and employees throughout the institution. The Unit Assistant works under the direction of a registered professional nurse and collaboratively with the healthcare team. This position cares for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients and follows population-specific guidelines and National Patient Safety Goals.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or a high school transcript showing completion of at least the sophomore level.
No previous experience is required.
Ability to work effectively with other departments and the general public.
Ability to accept direction from nursing staff and perform basic skills and procedures designated for unit assistants.
Good interpersonal skills and adaptability to changing situations and work assignments.
Ability to concentrate during multiple interactions and interruptions.
Ability to perform the listed job duties, including reading, writing, reasoning, talking, and keyboarding.

Nice To Haves

Typing skills are preferred but not required.
Ability to operate the electronic medical record (EMR).

Responsibilities

Obtain and report basic patient physiological data, including vital signs, weight, skin condition, and urine and stool characteristics.
Use proper body mechanics and assist with patient positioning, mobility, hygiene, activities of daily living, and comfort needs according to procedure and direction.
Monitor and document fluid intake and output.
Promptly identify and report changes in patients’ physical or mental status to assigned licensed staff.
Organize patient care, prioritize tasks, and implement physician and nursing orders within prescribed time frames.
Perform therapeutic procedures within the role’s parameters and report patient responses to the supervising nurse.
Make frequent rounds, respond to patient call lights, and take appropriate action.
Explain procedures or care to patients before beginning them.
Record patient data accurately and promptly, and forward it to supervisory staff within established time frames.
Answer patient intercoms, direct requests to appropriate staff or fulfill requests according to unit routine, and follow up with patients or families.
Make diet requests and notify the Dietary Department of changes.
Perform emergency procedures for codes, fire, or disaster situations according to policy.
Print Ticket to Ride documents for transports.
Enter patient discharge times in the Electronic Medical Record and ensure discharged patient charts are complete before sending them to Medical Records.
Promote patient safety by using Universal Precautions, following hand hygiene policy, maintaining a safe patient environment, obtaining and restocking isolation supplies, cleaning equipment, and reporting equipment problems to the Charge Nurse.
Place storeroom supplies in designated areas and notify appropriate departments of needed repairs, following up on requests.
Distribute linen and ice and offer refreshments as permitted by patients’ diets.
Perform patient transport functions as needed by the unit.
Prepare rooms for new admissions, including placing PPE on the door and ensuring beds, supplies, and equipment are ready.
Orient patients and families to the unit and room, and greet them pleasantly.
Answer telephone calls politely, screen and refer calls appropriately, and ensure accurate communication.
Place reports in patient charts or ensure they are sent to the appropriate units.
Maintain patient charts by thinning them, replenishing forms, and placing reports in the appropriate locations.
Recommend equipment or supply purchases to the unit Director as appropriate.
Complete daily and weekly requisitions to reflect unit needs accurately.
Record refrigerator temperatures daily on the appropriate sheet.
Maintain printers by changing ribbons, replenishing paper, and reporting problems to Information Systems.
Replace telemetry batteries, glove boxes, and wipes as needed.
Participate in staff meetings, with no more than two absences.
Read and respond to emails in a timely manner.
Remain flexible in scheduling to meet department staffing needs.
Complete unit-specific and annual competency assessments within required timelines.