Unit Secretary/Nursing Assistant

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About the role

The Unit Secretary-Nursing Assistant I performs a variety of secretarial support and basic nursing care activities for patients and families during their assigned shift, working under the supervision of the RN/LPN as defined by the NC Board of Nursing. This role communicates with nursing staff, provider office staff, and/or other entities regarding patient information while carrying out assigned patient care, receptionist, and secretarial duties.

Responsibilities

• Assists in providing a quality patient experience which may include but is not limited to:
  • Receives, greets, and directs patients and visitors professionally.
  • Answers telephone and call bell promptly and in accordance with behavioral expectations.
• Provides quality patient care which may include but is not limited to:
  • Measures vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, etc.
  • Provides personal care such as bathing, mouth care, skin care, hair care, nail care, bed making, and dressing/undressing.
  • Assists with nutritional needs of patients by performing tasks such as preparing patients for meal time and feeding patients.
  • Assists patients with elimination needs through tasks such as use of bedpan/urinal, bowel/bladder training, collection of specimens, perineal/catheter care.
  • Measures height and weight.
  • Measures and records intake and output.
• Completes all required documentation accurately and thoroughly according to unit-specific standards.
• May obtain, verify, or update patient information as required.
• Ensures files, documents, schedules, records, and logs are current and organized.
• Promotes effective communication between patients, teammates, providers, and visitors.
• Promptly reports abnormal vital signs and changes in the patient’s condition to the primary nurse or charge nurse.
• Communicates pertinent patient information to other teammates during handoff report or sooner if needed.
• Communicates patient or family questions or concerns in a timely manner.
• May schedule appointments for tests, follow-up visits, etc., as directed.
• May collaborate with office staff and other external entities when needed.
• Ensures teamwork by demonstrating cooperative, constructive, and problem-solving interactions.
• Accepts delegated tasks and assignments that are within their scope of practice.
• Seeks help when needed and provides help to others when available.
• Performs unit-specific tasks to support efficient and high-quality operations within the unit or department.
• Collaborates with other units such as environmental services, transport, facilities, laboratory services, dining, etc., as needed.
• Ensures a safe, clean, and orderly environment for self, patients, and teammates.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics when turning/repositioning, transferring, assisting with ambulation, range of motion exercises, and using lifts, beds, stretchers, and wheelchairs.
• Ensures patient safety through utilizing items such as side rails, call bells, and mitts/restraints.
• Follows proper infection control techniques which include items such as handwashing, isolation techniques, and standard precautions.
• Keeps work areas clean, organized, and neat.
• Responds appropriately and promptly in emergency situations.
• Recognizes signs and symptoms of distress.
• Promptly notifies appropriate teammates to ensure prompt response of resources needed.
• Obtains needed supplies/equipment in a timely manner.
• Participates in CPR or other needed emergency care within their scope of practice.
• Provides assistance and customer service to patients, visitors, providers, and teammates.
• Strives to develop rapport and trust with patients and visitors.
• Adheres to behavior expectations and utilizes Carolina Care techniques.
• Provides blameless apology and works toward resolution of patient/visitor concerns.
• Procures supplies and equipment in accordance with departmental needs.

Requirements

• Completion of state-approved Level 1 Nurse Aide training and competency evaluation program or its equivalent.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; any higher education from an accredited college will supersede this requirement.
• Current listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I registry.
• Certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support.
• At least one year in a healthcare role preferred.

Skills

• Ability to provide excellent patient and customer service to all patients and their visitors as well as to internal and external teammates.
• Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with teammates and relate to patients with varying degrees of illness.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to set priorities and organize many functions at the same time for an entire unit.
• Flexibility and calmness required in order to perform a variety of functions in a setting which may be stressful or change unexpectedly due to a patient's condition.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Able to learn new software rapidly.
• Knowledge of Epic or EMR is helpful.
• Familiarity with basic medical terminology.

Job Details

Legal Employer: Wayne Health
Entity: Wayne UNC Health Care
Organization Unit: 2nd Floor
Work Type: Full Time
Standard Hours Per Week: 36.00
Work Assignment Type: Onsite
Work Schedule: Night
Job Location: Wayne Medical Center