Unit Secretary / Nursing Tech - Neuro Progressive Care

About the role

Presbyterian Hospital's Neuro Progressive Care Unit is hiring a Unit Secretary/Nursing Tech to perform secretarial and clerical duties while acting as a communication center for the nursing unit. The role includes performing advanced patient care procedures such as initiation of intravenous therapy, splinting/casting, suturing, and reinforcement of patient education and care instructions as directed by the registered nurse or licensed provider. Additionally, the position involves advanced support procedures for the operation of the Emergency Department (CDS Emergency Departments and PresNows only) and operating patient monitoring systems.

Responsibilities

• Courteously greets and directs customers and promotes/facilitates accurate and timely unit communication.
• Answers telephones, processes information efficiently, and redirects calls to appropriate parties.
• Monitors patients, collects information for documentation, and transports patients, documenting actions in the patient record.
• Collects and records vital signs in the patient record.
• Inserts and removes non-medicated, peripheral intravenous therapy lines (CDS Emergency Departments and PresNows only) under the direction of a licensed Provider.
• Performs phlebotomy after appropriate training.
• Applies fiberglass splints, casts, and traction devices.
• Performs bedside testing such as oximetry, ECG, Glucometry, urinalysis, and other tests.
• Scrubs and sutures wounds under the direction of a licensed Provider (CDS Emergency Departments and PresNows only).
• Performs wound care and dressing changes.
• Prepares patients for surgery and removes gastric and urethral tubes under direct nursing supervision after adequate training.
• Performs enemas and pericare.
• Coordinates and maintains specific equipment, supply systems, and sterile processing systems.
• Operates patient monitoring systems specific to unit needs.
• Uses the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) at the skill level commensurate with responsibilities and as a Unit Secretary when required.
• Ensures cleanliness of nutrition areas and general unit; cleans and stores equipment; empties trash, linen bags, and sharps containers.
• Readies rooms for the next patient; stocks medical supplies, linens, and paper goods; inventories equipment; processes broken equipment as directed.
• Delivers specimens to Laboratory, Microbiology, and Pathology; transports x-rays, blood, and equipment.
• Performs basic clerical duties such as answering phones, taking messages, filing, and copying.
• Participates in the nutritional well-being of the patient through tray delivery, assistance with patient set-up, and accurately records consumption.
• Administers oxygen under the direction of a licensed Nurse; assists patients with portable or wall oxygen and ensures proper storage of E cylinders.
• Assists nurses and physicians with sterile procedures.
• Assists with activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, and walking patients; provides patient hygiene including shaving, mouth care, foot care, peri care, and bathing.
• Organizes care to contribute to the overall quality of the team and communicates pertinent information for end-of-shift summation.
• May be requested to assist at other CDS Emergency Departments based on operational needs and individual competency.
• Demonstrates and role models CARES behaviors: Continuous learning, Accountability, Respecting and Responding, ensuring an Environment of health, and obtaining Superior outcomes.
• Supports organizational and service line business objectives by providing standardized, evidence-based care for optimal outcomes and patient experiences.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Preferred: specialized training in basic patient care (Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Nursing student who has completed a skills lab) or at least 6 months experience in direct patient care.
• Receives on-the-job training and competency verification to perform primary functions.
• Maintains current training in BLS (AHA Healthcare Provider) required at time of hire.
• Maintains current certifications in required emergency response training.
• Completes all organizational, department of Nursing and Department-specific competency training/requirements within specified timeframe.

Benefits

• Educational and career development options, including tuition and certification reimbursement, scholarship opportunities.
• Staff Safety wearable badge for discreet emergency assistance.
• Differentials for night/weekend shifts, higher education, certifications, and various lead roles (for eligible positions).
• Malpractice liability insurance.
• Loan forgiveness through the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
• Access to a wellness program featuring free on-site and community-based gyms, nutrition coaching, mindfulness and meditation resources, and wellness challenges.

Schedule

Full time, 0.90 FTE, 12-hour day shift.