POSTPARTUM - CWN 9/10 Nursing Assistant Unit Coordinator

A $750.00 sign on bonus is being offered to eligible new employees hired in our PCA positions.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Nursing Director, the Patient Care Associate/ Unit Coordinator will function in a dual role while providing direct and indirect patient care as well as administrative and operational support for the assigned unit.

When assigned in the PCA role you will be performing duties of direct and indirect patient care, functioning under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN) and as a member of the unit-based patient care team. The PCA is responsible for supporting the RN with clinical tasks, including, but not limited to: glucometry, EKGs, phlebotomy and vital signs. In addition, the PCA is responsible for responding to the needs of patients and family members and takes a proactive role in the efficient operation of the unit.

When assigned in the Unit Coordinator role the UC functions under the general direction of the Operations Manager and as a member of the Unit Based Patient Care Team. The UC is responsible for the following duties, including but not limited to, answering unit phones, scheduling patient tests and appointments, maintaining all medical records, coordinating discharges, and preparing diet sheets. The Unit Coordinator is responsible for greeting and receiving visitors and responding to needs of patients and family members and taking a proactive role in the efficient operation of the unit.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is a list of duties that are to be performed under the general direction of an RN. This list is not all inclusive and depending on the unit assigned, may vary based on the patient population served:

CLINICAL:

1. Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including but not limited to: bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing, and grooming. Will prepare/set-up patients for meals and snacks and will assist patient during meals, when necessary. Care will be provided for both adult and newborn patients.
2. Anticipates the individual needs of patients regarding ADLs, within the plan of care established by the registered nurse.
3. Adapts standard ADL care to the unique needs of each patient, within the plan of care established by the nurse.
4. Maintains familiarity with expected patient outcomes of all tasks performed, recognizes situations requiring RN notification.
5. Maintains thorough understanding of activity and equipment within working environment, including the application of precautions.
6. Measures and records non-invasive vital signs and patient weights.
7. Performs EKGs in accordance with Hospital/Departmental standards.
8. Performs glucometry procedure in accordance with Hospital policies and procedures.
9. Collects and records patient data, including intake/output, glucometry, and guaic check.
10. Assists patients with physical therapy (range of motion and exercises ordered by Physical Therapy), deep breathing, coughing, and ambulation.
11. Completes procedure setup and clean up, and assists during procedures. This may include assisting the RN during an infant circumcision.
12. Performs simple dressing changes on patients.
13. Functions as a patient observer under the direction of the registered nurse.
14. Performs unit-specific clinical duties, including, but not limited to, chest physical therapy, placing patients on telemetry.
15. Performs phlebotomy procedures in accordance with Hospital policies and procedures.
16. Performs fingerstick procedure in accordance with Hospital policies and procedures.
17. Assist with specimen collection.

SERVICE:

1. As a member of the Patient Care Team, the PCA ensures that the patient and family members are attended to in a caring and attentive manner, responding to the needs of patients/family members in a timely manner and maintaining a patient and family focus at all times.
2. Works cohesively as a member of the patient care team, anticipating the needs of team members, as well as the patient.
3. Establishes and maintains a positive relationship with each patient, family and team member.
4. Answers call lights and responds to patient requests promptly.
5. Consistently maintains confidentiality/privacy of all patients.
6. Maintains hospital service standards, with particular attention to personal/behavioral, staff teamwork, and patient-staff interaction guidelines.

NON-CLINICAL:

1. Responsible for escorting patients/families upon being discharged from unit. 2. Ensures that patient has full instructions of home care or needs post-discharge.
3. Transports patients and/or equipment to other areas of the hospital, when needed.
4. Maintains patient rooms, including changing bed linens, etc., when needed.
5. Orders and maintains non-perishable supplies in unit nourishment station and food cabinets.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

The following is a list of duties that are to be performed under the general direction of the Operations Manager. This list is not all inclusive and depending on the unit assigned, may vary based on the patient population served:

1. As a member of the Patient Care Team, the UC is responsible for ensuring that the patient and family members are attended to in a caring and attentive manner. The Unit Coordinator is responsible for responding to the needs of the patient/family members in a timely manner and maintains a professional and friendly demeanor at all times. The Unit Coordinator will work cohesively as a member of the Patient Care Team, and will take a proactive role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the unit.
2. Responsible for greeting all patients and families and providing a complete unit orientation and responding to initial questions from family member and patients.
3. Responds to the individual needs of patients/families.
4. Maintains hospital service standards, with particular attention to personal/behavioral, staff teamwork, and patient-staff interaction guidelines.
5. Responsible for answering, coordinating and managing all phone calls to the unit. Places pages and phone calls upon request of clinical staff.
6. Coordinates all paperwork coming onto unit, including all fax referrals.
7. Prepares and maintains all patient medical records in a neat and orderly manner; properly label each page and file laboratory and other information in individual record.
8. Responsible for scheduling all patient diagnostic tests, appointments, and consults, upon direction of physician or RN. Arranges patient escort and transport services.
9. Coordinates all logistics of patient discharge, including checking on family notification, transportation, equipment, prescription, and follow-up appointments.
10. Perform clerical duties to admit, transfer, and discharge patients. Make certain that patient record/chart, information plate, personal belongings, and requisitions accompany the patient on transfers.
11. Prepares all diet order sheets and submits for approval from physician or RN.
12. Act as a liaison and assist in problem solving with ancillary services and all other departments which provide services or have an effect on unit activities.
13. Provides back up coverage for patient transport, including escorting discharge patients/family.On a daily basis, monitors and ensures that Advance Care Directives are up to date and in the patient chart.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associates Degree preferred. However, a student with appropriate judgement and other qualifications (ability to complete job functions, etc.) can be considered for this position with appropriate review and approval. For nursing students hired in this role, strongly prefer nursing students enrolled in BSN programs or direct-entry Masters' programs.

Certification/Licensure: Certification as a CNA, PCT, MA, EMT or commensurate experience required, unless incumbent is a nursing student who has completed her/his fundamentals of nursing with a clinical component (clinical rotation or simulation lab). For nursing students hired as PCAs, strongly prefer nursing students enrolled in BSN programs or direct-entry Masters' programs.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross required upon hire.

May not currently hold a valid nursing license.

Experience: 1+ year of CNA, PCT, MA, EMT or commensurate experience required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The ability to assess patient data relative to age-specific needs and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his/her assigned unit. The age of the patients served may range from Adolescence to Geriatric.

Demonstration of independent judgment within the scope of this position.

Demonstrated proficiency in English verbal and written communication skills including the ability to read, write, perform simple arithmetic calculations in English required; Bi-lingual skills preferred.

Ability to communicate effectively using voice mail, e-mail, fax machine, telephone, etc. Computer knowledge in windows-based environment strongly preferred.

Competency in technical and non-technical skills required, as demonstrated through orientation and skills validation process.

Demonstrated customer service skills. Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, visitors, and hospital personnel.

The ability to work as a team member, promoting a caring and collegial attitude toward fellow employees. Demonstration of flexibility and willingness to adapt to diverse role as member of the patient care team.

The ability to work under stressful conditions, adapting to the changing pace on the unit, frequent interruptions, emergencies and critically ill patients.

The ability to organize and prioritize work. Well-developed organizational skills in order to determine the needs of patients.

Knowledge of medical terminology.

Knowledge of Infection Control guidelines and aseptic technique.

The ability to:
* stand, walk, and bend for an extended period of time.
* lift linens and supplies with a maximum weight of 20 pounds.
* lift patients and assist with ambulation.

Brigham and Women's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability unrelated to job requirements, genetic information, military service, or other protected status.

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Federal EEO Statement:

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives, and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.