Unit Assistant - Discharge Lounge - M - F - Days

Northeast Georgia Medical Center•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

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

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.

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 the color and character of urine and stool.
Assist with positioning, mobility, hygiene, activities of daily living, and comfort needs using proper body mechanics and following procedures and direction.
Monitor and document fluid intake and output.
Promptly identify and report physical or mental status changes to licensed staff assigned to the patient.
Organize patient care and prioritize tasks while implementing physician and nursing orders within prescribed time frames.
Perform therapeutic procedures within the parameters of the job description and report patient responses to the supervising nurse.
Make frequent rounds, respond to patient call lights, take appropriate action, and explain procedures or care to patients beforehand.
Record patient data accurately and promptly 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 necessary diet requests and notify the Dietary Department of changes.
Perform emergency procedures, including CODE, fire, or disaster procedures, according to policy.
Print Ticket to Ride forms for transports and enter patient discharge times in the Electronic Medical Record.
Ensure discharged patient charts are complete before sending them to Medical Records.
Support patient safety through Universal Precautions, hand hygiene, a safe patient environment, and stocking isolation supplies.
Clean equipment, maintain its proper functioning, and promptly report equipment issues to the Charge Nurse.
Place storeroom supplies in designated areas, notify appropriate departments of needed repairs, and follow up on repair requests.
Distribute linen and ice, offer refreshments as permitted by the patient's diet, and perform patient transport as needed.
Prepare rooms for new admissions, including placing PPE and appropriate supplies or equipment and turning down the bed.
Orient patients, families, and significant others to the unit and room; 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, replenishing forms, and placing reports in the appropriate locations.
Recommend equipment or supply purchases to the unit Director and complete daily or weekly requisitions 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 according to unit practice and replace glove boxes and wipes in patient rooms when supplies are low.
Participate in staff meetings with no more than two absences and read and respond to emails in a timely manner.
Exhibit scheduling flexibility to meet department staffing needs and complete unit-specific and annual competency assessments within required timelines.