Unit Support Associate/Patient Sitter - Surgical Care Unit - Part-time

Children's National Hospital

8d • $18 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

The Unit Support Associate, in collaboration with and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, will assist in activities directly related to the care of patients and operation of the unit. This role includes providing direct 1:1 observation of patients for safety or behavioral issues, and supporting unit functions by assisting in the maintenance of supplies and operations.

Requirements

• Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required)
• Basic computer skills (Preferred)
• Knowledge of child development (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Provide direct 1:1 observation of patients related to safety or behavioral issues.
• Support the unit function by assisting in the maintenance of supplies and operations.
• Maintain patient safety by adhering to principles of pediatric safety (handrails, seat belts, direct observation) and never leaving a patient unattended.
• Intervene quickly to calm, redirect, reorient, or guide patients to prevent harm to self or others.
• Remain in the patient room unless relieved by a nurse or another unit support associate.
• Accompany patients for any procedures off the unit.
• Engage patients in distracting, age-appropriate, goal-oriented activities and conversations that are distracting and therapeutic (in consultation with the bedside RN).
• Reinforce positive behavior.
• Assist with linen changes and room stocking.
• Assist in activities of daily living, including washing, toileting, position changes, and assistance with meals.
• Maintain universal precautions.
• Assist with providing breaks as directed by the Charge Nurse.
• Keep the room clean and tidy.
• Maintain a calm environment.
• When not responsible for direct patient observation, stock unit supplies, nurse servers, carts, etc., as directed by the charge nurse.
• Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness and stock par levels.
• Report safety hazards to staff (e.g., broken furniture/equipment).
• Assist in a variety of unit support activities as directed by the Charge Nurse (e.g., room setup, answering call bells, customer service activities).
• Report pertinent patient information and call for assistance if the patient develops destructive behaviors (e.g., pulling lines).
• Establish priorities for individual patients in communication with the RN and team members.
• Maintain regular communication with the RN regarding assigned duties and patient behavior, performing activities within the prescribed scope and seeking clarification when needed.
• Immediately report escalating behaviors to the RN.
• Confer with the RN when confronted with an unfamiliar patient care issue.
• Ensure information sharing when handing off to a new safety attendant.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• Financial wellness support, including a 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Tuition assistance.
• Fitness resources.
• Employee assistance.
• Commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED