In collaboration with and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse the Unit Support Associate will assist in activities directly related to the care of patients and operation of the unit. This will include but is not limited to providing direct 1 : 1 observation of patients related to safety or behavioral issues. Support the unit function by assisting in the maintenance of supplies, operations
Qualifications : Minimum Education
High School Diploma or GED (Required)
Required Skills / Knowledge
Basic computer skills preferred
knowledge of child development preferred
Required Licenses and Certifications
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required)
Functional Accountabilities
Maintain Patient Safety
- Maintain environmental safety through room sweep and checklist
- Adhere to principles of pediatric safety through use of handrails, seat belts and direct observation.
- Never leave patient unattended
- Intervene quickly to calm, redirect, reorient patient, or guide patient to prevent harm to self or others.
- Remain in patient room unless relieved by nurse or another Unit support associate
- Accompany patient for any procedures off the unit
Meet / Satisfy Patient Needs
Engage patient in distracting, age appropriate goal oriented behavior, provide activities and conversations that are distracting and therapeutic (discuss with bedside RN)Reinforces positive behaviorAssist with linen changes and room stockingAssist in activities of daily living, including but not limited to washing, toileting, position changes and assistance with mealsMaintain universal precautionsAssist with providing breaks as directed by Charge NurseMaintain a Clean and Safe Environment
Keep room clean and tidyMaintain a calm environmentWhen not responsible for direct patient observation stock unit, nurse servers, carts etc as directed by charge nurse.Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness, stock par levels and suppliesReports safety hazards to staff i.e. broken furniture / broken equipmentAssist in a variety of unit support activities as directed by Charge Nurse i.e. room set up, answer call bells, customer service activities.Effective Communication with Other Staff
Reports pertinent patient information and call for assistance if the patient develops destructive behaviors i.e. pulling lines.With RN establishes priorities for individual patient communicates with team members in establishing priority tasks.Maintains regular communication with RN related to assigned duties and patient behavior; preforms activities within prescribed scope, seeks clarification when neededImmediately report escalating behaviors to RNConfers with RN when confronted with unfamiliar patient care issue.Ensure information sharing when handing off to new Safety attendantOrganizational Accountabilities
Organizational Accountabilities (Staff)
Organizational Commitment / Identification
Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are metTeamwork / Communication
Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behaviorPartner with all team members to achieve goalsReceptive to others' ideas and opinionsPerformance Improvement / Problem-solving
Contribute to a positive work environmentDemonstrate flexibility and willingness to changeIdentify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processesMake appropriate decisions, using sound judgmentCost Management / Financial Responsibility
Use resources efficientlySearch for less costly ways of doing thingsSafety
Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performanceContinuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentationStop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situationDemonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communicationActively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workersAttend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance
