Unit Associates, Nursing

Unit Associate

Reports to Manager of Unit Associates and works on Patient Care Units to perform clerical and receptionist duties related to the day-to-day operations of the Nursing Units. Are responsible for the coordination of unit activities such as admissions, discharges; patient transfers; unit and patient supplies and equipment. Assist in the coordination of patient flow and coordination of Patient Care Services under the Patient Care Manager of the designated unit.

Responsibilities :

1. Establish and maintain positive relationships with patients, visitors, and other employees. Interacts professionally, courteously, and appropriately with patients, visitors and other employees. Behaves in a manner consistent with maintaining and furthering a positive public perception of BronxCare Health System and its employee.

2. Contributes to and participates in the Performance / Quality Improvement activities of the assigned department. Contribution and participation includes data collection, analysis, implementation of and compliance with risk management and claims activities, support of and participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) teams, consistent adherence to the specific rules and regulations of the BronxCare Health System (a) Safety and Security Policies, (b) Risk Management : Incident and Occurrence Reporting, (c) Infection Control Policies and Procedures and (d) Patient and Customer Service, (e) Employee adherence to the Organization's Policy, Procedures and Regulations.

3. Presents to patients / customers with appropriate attitude and appearance. Establishes and maintains positive relationships with patients, visitors and other employees. Behaves in a manner consistent with maintain and furthering a positive public perception of BLHC and its employees. Respects patient / customer privacy. Demonstrates the ability to appropriately direct phone calls and requests to meet patient needs. Maintains an appropriate professional appearance. Keeps patients informed of work progress. Promotes / provides comfort while waiting. Identifies and responds patient needs according to hospital standards. Provides appropriate and timely information to patients. Demonstrates knowledge of dealing with difficult people.

4. Maintains security with computer access and demonstrates knowledge of HIPAA Regulations / Patient Confidentiality.

5. Identifies patients using two identifiers. Performs necessary functions to ensure quality of patient care, such as ensuring patients have appropriate ID bands.

6. Documents and reads back all verbal or telephone orders. Responsible for ordering all supplies using Keane system as directed.

7. Maintains admission and discharge log books on unit.

8. Demonstrates leadership ability to deal with ambiguity, change, and chaos in a dynamic environment of healthcare.

9. Attends Unit Associate meetings at least 6 times a year. Demonstrates the ability to learn on the spot and makes learning a part of the daily leadership behaviors exhibited.

10. Facilitates teamwork at all times, address issues and concerns with peers, subordinates and supervisor with a positive problem solving approach. Is approachable and cooperative.

11. Demonstrates a positive approach toward the organization in all contacts with patients, visitors, and co-workers.

12. Manages time effectively.

13. Demonstrates contribution to unit based programs and research strategies to monitor and continuously improve quality of patient care.

14. Demonstrates an understanding of the organizations fire / safety plan, emergency preparedness plan and patient safety goals. Participates in fire drills and emergency drills as per hospital policy.

15. Removes or reports broken or damaged equipment promptly. Checks alarm settings on call bell system and ensures they are audible.

16. Is cognizant of unit census and unit activity at all times.

17. Maintains unit inventory of stationary supplies-removes old forms and replaces with new ones.

18. Complies with uniform / dress code and grooming policy. Wears employee ID badge at all times.

19. Participates in on-going in-service and educational programs.

20. Complies with the organizational procedures with respect to absences, lateness, and timeliness of meal breaks.

21. Demonstrates an ability to discharge (Manually) and transfer patients on Allscripts system with accuracy and timely manner.

22. Demonstrates the ability to schedule patient appointments on Allscripts(Areas : 5M,NICU ONLY)

23. Able to generate various reports on Allscripts system

24. Able to replace laser printer cartridge

25. Gives report to oncoming Unit Associate : a) Summary of daily activities b) Anticipated discharges, admissions and transfers c) Unit Census, patient scheduled for tests and location of patients off unit

26. Identifies where medical records is at all times

27. Patient SatisfactionWelcomes patient and family to unit, answers questions, orients to unit.

28. Responds quickly to call light and notifies health care provider

29. Expedites patient flow by expediting cleaning of patient beds.

30. Maintains consistent communication with Admitting / Bed Board and Housekeeping to expedite patient movement around the units.

31. Maintains unit inventory of stationary supplies-removes old forms and replaces with new ones.

32. Demonstrates an ability to obtain and interpret information regarding the age-specific patient population cared for.

33. Demonstrates an ability to recognize growth and development issues for the age-specific patient group served.

34. Complies with the annual hospital required mandatory program designed to reinforce select competency and patient safety.

Qualifications :

• Evidence of satisfactory job performance from previous employer and satisfactory references.
• High School Diploma or Equivalency
• Microsoft Word and Excel
• Customer Service Skills
• Communication Skills and Professionalism