ED Support Tech-nights; three 12 hour shifts per week

Description

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

The ED Support Tech performs the functions of a nurses’ assistant in carrying out all assignments given by the charge nurse. They are responsible for providing basic hygiene and comfort measures, assisting the RN with patient treatments within their scope of practice, collect specimens, obtain vital signs, assist the RN with patient transfers, discharges, registration and preoperative care as well as assist during an emergency by providing the RN or physician any necessary materials that are called for as well as completion of documentation of this care. They will also maintain a high degree of confidentiality and support the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates clinical proficiency within the scope of practice.
• Provides basic personal hygiene needs for patient to include: bathing, skin care, oral hygiene, toileting, etc bed making.
• Provides positioning of the patients per RN instructions with appropriate changes in positions as needed.
• Assists patients with dietary needs: Patient receives prescribed diet. Tray is served and set-up for patient convenience and assists with feeding as necessary. Provides fluids and snacks as instructed. Ensures patient is NPO as ordered. 
• Documents intake and output as indicated
• Collect specimens as ordered per instruction for collection.
• Obtains vital signs on assigned patients including: temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, pulse oximetry, and weights when indicated.
• Assists with patient treatments within the scope of practice, i.e. enemas, perineal care, douches, application of hot/cold compresses, surgical preps, Foley care, application of ace wraps, and TED stockings.
• Assists with assigned patients for examinations, procedures, x-rays.
•  Proficiency with the use of equipment i.e. Hoyer lift, wheelchair, Geri-chair, airbed, restraints, K-pads, and HoverMatts. 
• Assists RN with preoperative care as instructed.
• Assists RN with discharge of patient following discharge procedures.
• Provides patient comfort measures, i.e. patient privacy, answering call bells promptly, supporting patients and families during hospital stay.
• Completes documentation for assigned patients each shift, i.e. I&O, vital signs, etc.
• Follows all procedures to ensure patient, family, visitor, and employee safety.
• Reports changes in patient’s condition, requests, or problems to Primary RN or Charge Nurse.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
• Cleans utilities, equipment per procedure, and assists in maintaining unit in an orderly manner.
• Demonstrates practice of infection prevention policies: hand-washing, aseptic technique and standard precautions.
• Acts rapidly and calmly during emergencies and provides necessary materials called for by RN or physician.
• Cooperates and aids all personnel, patients, and visitors.
• Exhibits good attendance practices and alters work schedule when need arises; conforms to procedure for reporting illness when necessary.
• Conforms to unit dress code.
• Stays available and accessible always while on duty.
• Registers patients and completes the electronic admission process. 
• Assists in obtaining consent signatures.
• Maintains inventory of supplies.
• Obtains old records from Health Information as directed.
• Attends required in-service education programs, staff, and department meetings.
• Knowledge of the disaster, fire, bomb threat and evacuation plans and your role in the plans as they relate to the unit.
• Performs any other duties as assigned to insure age appropriate quality patient care: pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.
• Uses patient handling equipment appropriate to the needs of the individual patient in keeping with the Safe Patient and Handling and Movement Policy.  
• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Current placement on the Maine registry of:
•  Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) OR
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
• Current BLS. 
• Previous acute care experience preferred.
• Performs the functions of a nurse’s assistant in carrying out all assignments given by the Registered Nurses.
• Great communication skills necessary.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Ability to multitask is necessary

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Clinical: Frequently lifts to 35 pounds independently. Frequently pushes/pulls 100 pounds using mechanical and other assistive devices. Walks, stands, kneels, bends most of the time. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision is necessary. Normal hearing acuity.

EXPOSURE RISK

Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer.