Unit Assistant UA - Emergency Department ED - FT Days

Northeast Georgia Health System•Gainesville, GA

22h

About The Position

Provides a wide variety of support services for assigned units, including clerical support with patient records, supplies, and equipment, and facilitating communications. Performs patient care within the defined scope of practice and interacts with patients, the public, and employees throughout the institution. Works under the direction of a registered professional nurse and collaboratively with the healthcare team. Cares for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, following population-specific guidelines and National Patient Safety Goals in accordance with policy and procedures. Candidates without successful completion of the Foundations of Nursing course (RN students only), with less than six months of PCT experience within the past two years, or without an active CNA certification will be enrolled in NGHS’s in-house PCT Academy. No previous experience is required. The role requires flexibility in scheduling to meet department staffing needs and completion of unit-specific and annual competency assessments within established timelines.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or high school transcript showing completion of at least the sophomore level of high school.
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.
Ability to operate the electronic medical record (EMR).
Good interpersonal skills and adaptability to changing situations and work assignments.
Ability to concentrate during multiple interactions and interruptions.
Must complete unit-specific and annual competency assessments within specified timelines.

Nice To Haves

Typing skills are preferred but not required.

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 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 physical or mental status changes to the licensed staff assigned to the patient.
Organize patient care, prioritize tasks, and implement physician and nursing orders within prescribed time frames.
Perform therapeutic procedures within the job description and report patient responses to the supervising nurse.
Make frequent rounds, respond promptly to patient call lights, and take appropriate action.
Explain procedures or care to patients before beginning, such as patient mobilization.
Record patient data accurately and on time, and forward it to supervisory staff within established time frames.
Answer patient intercoms, direct requests to appropriate staff, fulfill requests within unit routines, and follow up with patients or families.
Make diet requests and notify the Dietary Department of changes.
Perform emergency procedures for codes, fire, or disasters according to policy.
Print Ticket to Ride documents for transports.
Enter patient discharge time in the Electronic Medical Record and ensure discharged patient charts are complete before sending them to Medical Records.
Support patient safety through Universal Precautions, adherence to 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 complete daily or weekly requisitions reflecting unit needs.
Notify appropriate departments of repair needs and follow up on requests.
Distribute linen and ice and offer refreshments as permitted by patient diet.
Perform patient transport as needed by the unit.
Prepare rooms for new admissions, including placing PPE on the door, turning down the bed, and making necessary supplies or equipment available.
Orient patients, families, and significant others to the unit and room, and greet them pleasantly.
Answer telephone calls courteously, 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 as needed, replenishing forms, and placing reports in the appropriate locations.
Make recommendations to the unit Director about equipment or supply purchases as appropriate.
Record refrigerator temperatures daily on the appropriate sheet.
Maintain printers by changing ribbons, replenishing paper, and reporting problems to information systems.
Replace telemetry batteries according to unit practice and replenish glove boxes and wipes in patient rooms when supplies are low.
Participate in staff meetings with no more than two absences.
Read and respond to emails in a timely manner.
Complete unit-specific and annual competency assessment requirements within specified timelines.
Exhibit scheduling flexibility to meet department staffing needs.