Health Unit Coordinator HUC

Major Responsibilities

• Assists RN with daily care of patients including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders and ambulation.
• Measures and documents blood pressures, TPRs, I & O, daily weights, and other patient data as requested.
• Documents accurately in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Participates in admission, transfer and discharge process under supervision of RN including room set up, orientation to room, removing linen, and proper management of patient belongings.
• Ensures patient call light is always in reach of patient and answers call-lights promptly.
• Performs purposeful rounding under direction of RN and promptly communicates observations, concerns, and needs of patient/family to RN. Documents appropriately.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique and assistive devices.
• Performs tasks related to nutritional needs of the patient under direction of RN to include diet review, tray set up/removal, proper positioning and diet selection.
• Performs tasks related to maintaining skin integrity to include proper repositioning and skin care.
• Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose and sequential compression devices.
• Collates urine, stool, and sputum specimens and performs point-of-care testing as indicated using approved process for accurate specimen labeling and identification.
• Coordinates tests and treatments with and between various departments for patients on nursing units. Maintains a working knowledge of functions and services offered by all diagnostic and treatment departments to facilitate the scheduling of tests and treatments.
• Processes daily patient charges and/or related procedures through the system.
• Facilitates communications required to support patient care, including the multiple-line telephone, unit/site paging and the hospital information system. Screens incoming telephone calls. Monitors department office equipment and troubleshoots minor problems. Arranges repair of major malfunctions.
• Compiles necessary chart forms for admissions, transfers, discharges and expirations. Obtains appropriate copies of medical records for transfers to nursing homes and other health care facilities. Verifies medical records contain complete and accurate patient demographic information, patient identification and registration in the medical record, including appropriate level of care.
• Establishes and maintains positive customer relations and contributes to a harmonious work environment. Quickly and courteously acknowledges requests, responds to call lights, demonstrates proper phone etiquette and fosters communication between the health care team.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Will be required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
• Functional vision and hearing.
• Exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids on a continuous basis; therefore, protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.