Job Details

JOB SUMMARY

The Unit Assistant provides clinical and secretarial support for the Nursing Unit. This role assists the Nurse Manager and Unit Charge Nurse in maintaining efficient function of the unit in carrying out patient care and other related duties.

This role performs tasks related to the functioning of the Nursing Unit and the provision of patient care under the direction of the Charge or Resource Nurse. He/she promotes positive public relations through courteous interactions with patients, families, staff and physicians.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission of Swedish Hospital and demonstrates a service orientation and adheres to all Swedish policies and procedures

1. Answers the unit phone in a polite manner identifying self and unit.

2.Performs secretarial duties for the nursing unitincluding but not limited to admitting patients to the unit census; greeting families and visitors and directing them to the patient room during visiting hours, ordering supplies and equipment as directed, assisting the charge nurse in preparing nurse assignments for the oncoming shift.

3. Assists in orientation of new Unit Assistants to the unit.

4. May be reassigned to another area or asked to function as a Unit Secretary as needed.

5. Performs cardiac monitoring duties if trained as a monitor tech as directed by the Charge RN or Manager.

6. Is expected to answer call lights by manager or Charge Nurse.

7. Maintains a clean and safe environment

Other Functions

1. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

PATIENT CARE/AGE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Unit Assistants working in specialty areas possess knowledge of procedures specific to that patient population including age specific needs., Each unit is responsible for providing specific credentialing.

QUALIFICATION/BASIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• High school graduate or equivalent required.

• Current certification on IDPH’s healthcare worker registry.

• One year Nursing Assistant experience or comparable experience preferred.

• Must satisfactorily complete a planned orientation program at Swedish Hospital

• Secretarial and computer knowledge is desirable; computer entry, and simple math.

• Ability to interact effectively with others

• Ability to effectively handle stress

• Ability to handle confidentiality appropriately

• Must communicate effectively (both written and verbally), be organized and self directed

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• Current certification on IDPH’s healthcare worker registry as a Nursing Assistant in Illinois.

• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS

• First contact with visitors, medical staff

• Daily contact with patients, Nursing Staff and other department personnel

• Telephone contact for all inquiries on the Unit

• Relatives

• Patient care related equipment

ACCESS TO PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

Computer system access for the Nursing Division is assigned based on criteria as specified in Policy # 08-113-0, and on the minimum necessary as described in this job description. Approval for level of access is given by the system administrator (for Nursing Division this is Nursing Informatics) or the department that has ownership of system/module. See computer system Access Control policy. The Nursing Assistant has Access Level F, which includes Name, Demographic & Service Specific Clinical (i.e. clinical information specific to the unit). Epic access for this job description is NUR.NA &/or NUR.US. See Policy 08-113-0, Attachment A.

ENVIRONMENT

• Standing, walking, bending frequently

• May lift heavy objects up to 100 lbs.

• May be in an upright position and moving about most of the working time

• Use of computer

• Potential for exposure to chemicals, airborne diseases, blood and bodily fluids

• Risk of injury by violent patient

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the classification. They are not intended to be as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Required