Unit Assistant

Unit Assistant Position Summary:

The ED/SSU Unit Assistant functions primarily in a clerical role but is required to assist with patient care as directed by the Nurse manager, RN, or physician as needed. The Unit Assistant in the ED/SSU works as part of a team with a common goal of offering patient centered, timely care, in a safe and friendly environment. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to; performing general clerical duties, organizing and coordinating the nursing units, and monitoring patient charts for the ED and SSU units. This position requires assisting the nurse, physician, and other members of the team to provide relationship based patient centered care. The Unit Assistant in this role works with multiple types of sophisticated equipment and handles various types of patients in a friendly and frequently stressful environment.

A day in the life as a Unit Assistant with MyMichigan Health:

• (40%) The Unit Assistant as part of a multidisciplinary team, maintains a friendly customer oriented attitude at all times. It is expected that all team members will work together to provide the best possible care to MidMichigan Health's patients, families, visitors, staff, community members, and any other person that is encountered while representing MidMichigan Health. It is expected that at all times the Unit Assistant will treat every person they encounter with non-judgmental: kindness, compassion, respect, and relationship based care.
• (30%) Performs quick registrations when ambulance or expedited patients arrive in the department, attaches ID bracelet, and ensures proper patient identifiers are performed. Keeps track of supplies and notifies appropriate person as supplies are needed. Makes arrangements for bed assignments through contact with patient placement as required. Prepares paperwork to go with patients who are transferred to other facilities.
• (20%) Provides direct patient care including answering call lights, assisting with transfers, responding to alarms, and other duties as assigned.
• (10%) The Unit Assistant is knowledgeable and compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines. The Unit Assistant maintains knowledge of MidMichigan Health and ED/SSU specific policies and procedures relating to the care provided, and maintains professional standards.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safety -Demonstrates awareness of specific safety concerns in department. -Complies with MidMichigan Health safety guidelines. -Maintain department equipment as necessary. -Identifies and communicates concern regarding unsafe conditions or equipment promptly. -Participates in medical center safety drills. -Utilizes appropriate lift equipment on a routine basis.
• Education -Attends education days. -Seeks opportunities for self-education and enrichment while sharing information with co-workers.
• Patient Care -Collects vital signs and weight. -Participates in direct patient care. Moves, lifts, and transports patients as required. -Performs clinical and technical aspects of care in accordance with established policies. -Recognizes and displays pleasant, friendly and cooperative manner to public. -Maintains clean and tidy unit, including inventory of room supplies. -Maintains orderly patient flow. -Cleans equipment. -Can assist with emergency equipment and procedures under the direct supervision of the RN or ED physician. -Completes documentation as required.
• Quality -Supports the mission, goals, policies, and standards of the ED/SSU. -Assists RN to ensure patient care outcomes and safety needs are met. -Communicates identified problems to appropriate personnel and implements actions to assure patient needs are met. -Assists unit in maintaining the area according to Joint Commission standards. -Participates in quality improvement activities in the department.
• Secretary -All Clerical Duties. -Answers telephone. -Enters labs and other orders as requested. Emergency Care/Safety -Performs according to procedure in all medical center emergency situations. -Provides and ensures safe and secure environment for the patient. -Is familiar with all safety and emergency procedures. -Observes fall safety precautions.
• Ordering and Stocking -Assists with ordering as indicated. May include: -Orders from purchasing weekly for medical supplies, lab supplies and office supplies. -Special invoices for supplies not available in storeroom. -Placing orders with Pharmacy. -Stock exam room with supplies and fill hand cleaner bottles.
• Demonstrates competency in Infection Prevention and Control Practices and Policies. -Possesses an understanding of infection prevention and control measures designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. -Maintains the standards of the infection prevention and control policies. -Implements and maintains isolation techniques per policy. -Follows hand hygiene policies and utilizes personal protective equipment as required.
• MidMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows.
• An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MidMichigan Health.
• Will be responsible to work on-call, as scheduled.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must hold one of the following:
  
  
  
  • An internal MidMichigan Health Patient Care Technician certification
  • A current State of Michigan registry document as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Completion of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification culminating in licensure in the state of Michigan
  • Completion of an accredited Licensed Practical Nurse program culminating in licensure in the State of Michigan
  • Successful completion of one semester of nursing clinical education by an Accredited Registered Nurse Program.
  
  
  
  
• ACLS Preferred, PALS Preferred, Tele Monitoring Preferred, ENPC Preferred, TNCC Preferred
• Knowledge of medical terminology and medical office practices, policies, and procedures as normally acquired through experience working in a medical center or similar setting.
• Typing skills and basic personal computer knowledge needed to enter patient information.
• This position must show knowledge, ability, and competence in interacting with patients who range in age from prenate to 100 + years.
• Maintains confidentiality with all patient information and data obtained by following MidMichigan Health, State, and Federal guidelines.
• Must complete NIMS 100 and 700 within 6 months of hire or transfer to this position.
• Organizational skills needed to prioritize workload.
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• MidMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows.
• An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MidMichigan Health.
• Minimum one (1) year of emergency care experience

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONSExposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.Is able to move freely about the unit and medical center.Overall vision is necessary; including reading, depth perception, close-up work and must have a peripheral field of vision.Hearing and speech on the phone as well as in person are necessary.Must be able to communicate verbally in person, on the phone and in writing.Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time.Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material.Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.Must follow MidMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attndance and ability to stay awake.Overall dexterity is required including handling,, reaching, graspingm fingering and feeling. May required repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs. frequently 34-66% f the workday 20 lbs. and/ or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% of the workday) 10 lbs.