Unit Support Associate/Patient Sitter - 7 East - 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 includes providing direct 1:1 observation of patients related to safety or behavioral issues, and supporting unit function by assisting in the maintenance of supplies and operations.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

• Maintain Patient Safety
• Maintain environmental safety through room sweep and checklist
• Adhere to principles of pediatric safety through the use of handrails, seat belts and direct observation
• Never leave patient unattended
• Intervene quickly to calm, redirect, reorient patient, or guide patient to prevent harm to self or others
• Remain in patient room unless relieved by nurse or another unit support associate
• Accompany patient for any procedures off the unit
• Meet/Satisfy Patient Needs
• Engage patient in distracting, age-appropriate goal oriented behavior, provide activities and conversations that are distracting and therapeutic (discuss with bedside RN)
• Reinforces positive behavior
• Assist with linen changes and room stocking
• Assist in activities of daily living, including but not limited to washing, toileting, position changes and assistance with meals
• Maintain universal precautions
• Assist with providing breaks as directed by Charge Nurse
• Maintain a Clean and Safe Environment
• Keep room clean and tidy
• Maintain a calm environment
• When not responsible for direct patient observation stock unit, nurse servers, carts, etc as directed by charge nurse
• Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness, stock par levels and supplies
• Reports safety hazards to staff i.e. broken furniture/broken equipment
• Assist in variety of unit support activities as directed by Charge Nurse i.e. room set up, answer call bells, customer service activities
• Effective Communication with Other Staff
• Reports pertinent patient information and call for assistance if the patient develops destructive behaviors i.e. pulling lines
• With RN establishes priorities for individual patient, communicates with team members in establishing priority tasks
• Maintains regular communication with RN related to assigned duties and patient behavior; performs activities within prescribed scope, seeks clarification when needed
• Immediately report escalating behaviors to RN
• Confers with RN when confronted with unfamiliar patient care issue
• Ensure information sharing when handing off to 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.
• Additional perks, including tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

What This Job Offers

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