ED Assistant

The Emergency Department Assistant reports to the Director of Emergency Services.  The ED Assistant works primarily in the Emergency Department under the direction of team leaders, usually the ED Physician and Registered Nurse.  The Assistant performs a wide range of clerical duties that support the operations of the unit and provides technical medical support to emergency department personnel.  The ED Assistant plays a vital role in the wellbeing of patients in an urgent care setting. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as an important link in the communication chain ensuring information is transmitted between nursing personnel, other hospital personnel, physicians, patients, family members and other guests.
• Collects patient information, answers patient questions, when appropriate and schedules future appointments.
• Helps maintain stock levels and cleanliness of patient rooms and nurse’s station on a continuous basis.
• Assembles patient charts.
• Assists in entering patient information.
• Answers unit telephone, transferring calls, determining when staff members should be paged and taking and forwarding messages.
• Obtains lab specimens, monitors vital signs and assists the RN with any patient care duties, as needed.
• Maintains nursing station in neat and orderly manner.
• Completes special projects for unit manager, supervisors and charge nurses.
• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
• Cleans equipment and restocks supplies; assists in the ordering, receipt and storage of supplies.
• Demonstrates clear ownership of workplace and patient safety.
• Reports mistakes, near misses, adverse events and quality and safety concerns.
• Participates in the development and implementation of safety and quality improvement activities.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and privacy in accordance with HIPAA and privacy laws.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Certification/Licensure:  Not required.

Experience/Skills:  A minimum of two years clerical experience required, preferably in a hospital setting.  Should have working knowledge of medical abbreviations and medical terminology.  Excellent computer skills required; previous experience with hospital medical software a plus.  Must have excellent communication and customer service skills. 

Physical Requirements:   Ability to perform work that requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching and some lifting.