Unit Support Associate

Children's National Hospital

2d • $18 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

The Unit Support Associate joins a float pool supporting all hospital units. In collaboration with and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, this role assists with activities directly related to patient care and unit operations, including direct 1:1 patient observation for safety or behavioral concerns and support for unit supplies and operations. Shifts may be days or nights, may be 8 or 12 hours, and require weekend shift rotations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) certification.
• Basic computer skills are preferred.
• Knowledge of child development is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of child development.

Responsibilities

• Maintain environmental safety through room sweeps and checklists.
• Follow pediatric safety practices, including use of handrails and seat belts and direct observation; never leave an assigned patient unattended.
• Intervene promptly to calm, redirect, or reorient patients and prevent harm to themselves or others.
• Remain in the patient’s room unless relieved by a nurse or another Unit Support Associate.
• Accompany patients to procedures off the unit.
• Engage patients in age-appropriate, goal-oriented, distracting and therapeutic activities and conversations, in consultation with the bedside RN.
• Reinforce positive behavior.
• Assist with linen changes and room stocking.
• Assist with activities of daily living, including washing, toileting, position changes, and meals.
• Maintain universal precautions.
• Assist with breaks as directed by the Charge Nurse.
• Keep rooms clean and tidy and maintain a calm environment.
• When not assigned to direct patient observation, stock the unit, nurse servers, carts, and other areas as directed by the Charge Nurse.
• Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness, stock levels, and supplies.
• Report safety hazards, such as broken furniture or equipment, to staff.
• Assist with unit support activities as directed by the Charge Nurse, such as room setup, answering call bells, and customer service activities.
• Report pertinent patient information and call for assistance if a patient develops destructive behaviors, such as pulling lines.
• Establish individual patient priorities with the RN and communicate with team members about priority tasks.
• Communicate regularly with the RN about assigned duties and patient behavior, work within the prescribed scope, and seek clarification when needed.
• Immediately report escalating behaviors to the RN and consult the RN about unfamiliar patient care issues.
• Ensure information is shared when handing off to a new safety attendant.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• 401(k) plan.
• 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: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED