Unit Representative

Job Summary

The Unit Representative performs general clerical duties to include but not limited to: answering phones, maintaining patient paper charts, communicating information to staff in a timely manner, coordinating patient care and services internally and externally, scheduling pertinent medical appointments and diagnostic tests for patients, scheduling necessary transportation for patients, maintaining par level for forms and nutritional supplies, completing patient and family notifications as applicable per CMS regulations, greeting visitors and directing them to patient rooms, managing paperwork such as patient history forms, admission and discharge documents.

Scope of Authority / Leadership Responsibility / Reporting Relationships / Identification of Work Team

Provides indirect care of the rehabilitation patient through the processing of physician orders. Provides guidance to CNAs, volunteers, and students as needed. Monitors all supply usage. Initiates emergency procedures related to patients, families, staff, and institution and adheres to all criteria set forth by CMS and other applicable regulatory agencies.

Minimum Qualifications or Equivalent (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification, and/or Specific Skills)

• High school degree or equivalent.
• Prior Unit Representative experience preferred.
• Computer experience preferred.
• No additional certifications required.

Job Duties

• Advocate/Stewardship: Uses patient and hospital resources appropriately, meeting the needs of the patient without undue waste of time or supplies. Maintains cleanliness and organization of the nurse’s station, break room, charting areas, and Nutrition Room. Adheres to meal/break assignment. Informs Charge Nurse when leaving and returning to unit. Assures privacy of patient and family. Assures that patient's belongings are labeled and stored neatly in appropriate area in room. Places appropriate charge sticker on patient charge card. Maintains appropriate stock of supplies without storing excessive amounts. Answers call lights in a prompt, professional manner. Demonstrates by performance and behavior that patient concerns and needs are met regardless of patient assignment. Maintains patient chart. Transcribes physician orders legibly and accurately with date, time, and signature. Stat physician orders are transcribed immediately and assigned nurse notified. Notifies nurses, therapists, and transporters of cancellations or alterations inpatient schedules as they occur. Incorporates special requests, such as respiratory/medical needs and rest periods. Files patient documents (radiology, diagnostic, and interdisciplinary notes) in the patient's chart. Ensures that patients are admitted in Paragon as soon as they arrive and discharged from the system as soon as they leave. All entries are accurate and correct. Enhances physician visits by providing necessary assistance (charts, directions, notification or nurse, etc.) as evidenced by physician or nursing feedback to Nurse Manager. Restocks patient records, taking into account their discharge date. Thins charts per hospital protocol. Collaborator: Works with all members of the rehab team to facilitate positive outcomes for all patients. Precepts orientees and meets with manager to provide feedback related to strengths/weaknesses. Collaborates with team members to achieve high quality cost-effective care by utilizing all resources wisely. Demonstrates a positive team-spirited attitude in relation to change in work responsibilities including floating to other units as the need arises. Participates in TDP program, offering feedback to rehab team as needed and transports to proper dining room. Will feed patients as indicated in a timely manner. Demonstrates ability to initiate and maintain positive working relationships and interpersonal skills conducive to collaborative patient care. Distributes therapy schedule to patient each morning. Evaluates the technical performance of associates by participating in in the peer evaluation process. Displays initiative in contributing ideas for improving the efficiency/effectiveness of the department throughout the year as it relates to process improvement and the hospital-wide standards of ethics and corporate compliance. Supports continuity of care and patient/family relationships and enhances patient satisfaction as evidenced by reports. Independently assist peers without being asked. Promotes philosophy of teamwork. Demonstrates an understanding of adherence to hospital-wide and state standards including CMS, CIHQ, CARF, HIPAA, PPS, and corporate compliance. Maintains patient confidentiality. Assists with reminding overnight guests to report to the check in Kiosk daily for new screening and to receive a valid visitor badge. Covers for other associates as assigned. Contributes to the efficient and productive operations of the unit. Will assess Nutrition Room supplies and order on assigned days. Assesses and maintains unit supplies needed to keep workflow moving (forms, office supplies, etc.). Keeps patient charge cards available for staff to place charge stickers on and update on a daily basis. Monitors copy machine, computers and other office equipment and calls for repairman when needed. Maintains supplies for these machines. Demonstrates efficient time management skills by completing assignments. Demonstrates ability to respond to emergency and Code situations according to established procedures as observed by the Director of Nursing or Charge Nurse. Answers and prioritizes telephone calls in a courteous manner. Identifies self and unit at all times. Ensures that mail and WellSky information is distributed several times each shift. Maintains ongoing communication with supervising RN as demonstrated by RN being aware of all potential problems and following established communication channels. Alerts nursing staff of STAT orders, panic lab values, emergent staff, unit or patient issues as evidenced by nursing peer evaluations and supervisor observation. Prints complete patient EMAR upon patient discharge for permanent patient record. Breaks down patient charts after discharge for HIM to pick up. Maintains proper medical record order as per policy. Maintains attendance and punctuality within departmental guidelines. Functions as clerical support person to the Unit and Nurse Manager. Responds to and prioritizes all calls concerning patients notifying assigned nurse or Charge Nurse. Answers all call lights in a timely manner and follows up with appropriate staff member. Assures all patient requests have been communicated and resolved effectively and timely. Takes messages and delivers them completely and accurately. Updates the unit bulletin boards daily by adding new information and removing old. Old items are placed in the communication book if indicated. Prints SBAR report for the oncoming shift. Copies and distributes to nurses, team conference schedules. Assures that daily census report on Sharepoint is complete and up to date.

  Environmental and Working Conditions

  Routine hospital environment with frequent interruptions. Exposure to blood, body tissue, and hazardous waste materials. May be exposed to infectious diseases.