Unit Support Associate 7East Medical Unit (patient sitter, 12 hr shift D/N rotation)

Company: Children's National Medical Center
Location: Washington
Posted on: March 29, 2025

Job Description:

Job Description - Unit Support Associate 7East Medical Unit (patient sitter, 12 hr shift D/N rotation) (24000275)DescriptionThe 7 East Medical Care Unit is an exciting, innovative, dynamic, fast-paced, 50-bed, acute care unit, and the first-choice unit for patients with diabetes, metabolic and GI, pulmonary illnesses, as well as numerous other general medical disorders.7 East is recognized for its teamwork and multidisciplinary approach to the delivery of quality patient care. We value life-long learning, which is evident in the caring and expert way in which we welcome and train new team members and in how we support professional development for all our staff. We continuously reflect on our practices, staff development and patient outcomes to ensure that we unfailingly provide high quality and safe patient care. The 7 East team is known for its supportive work environment and our focus on the value of work-life balance.In collaboration with and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Unit Support Associate will assist in activities directly related to the care of patients and operation of the unit. This will include but is not limited to providing direct 1:1 observation of patients related to safety or behavioral issues. Support the unit function by assisting in the maintenance of supplies and operations.QualificationsMinimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED (Required)Required Skills/KnowledgeBasic computer skills preferredKnowledge of child development preferredRequired Licenses and CertificationsBasic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required)Functional AccountabilitiesMaintain Patient Safety

• Maintain environmental safety through room sweep and checklist.
• Adhere to principles of pediatric safety through use of handrails, seat belts and direct observation.
• Never leave patient unattended.
• Intervene quickly to calm, redirect, reorient patient, or guide patient to prevent harm to self or others.
• Remain in patient room unless relieved by nurse or another Unit Support Associate.
• Accompany patient for any procedures off the unit.Meet/Satisfy Patient Needs
  • Engage patient in distracting, age appropriate goal oriented behavior, provide activities and conversations that are distracting and therapeutic (discuss with bedside RN).
  • Reinforce positive behavior.
  • Assist with linen changes and room stocking.
  • Assist in activities of daily living, including but not limited to washing, toileting, position changes, and assistance with meals.
  • Maintain universal precautions.
  • Assist with providing breaks as directed by Charge Nurse.Maintain a Clean and Safe Environment
    • Keep room clean and tidy.
    • Maintain a calm environment.
    • When not responsible for direct patient observation, stock unit, nurse servers, carts etc as directed by Charge Nurse.
    • Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness, stock par levels and supplies.
    • Report safety hazards to staff i.e. broken furniture/broken equipment.
    • Assist in a variety of unit support activities as directed by Charge Nurse i.e. room set up, answer call bells, customer service activities.Effective Communication with Other Staff
      • Report pertinent patient information and call for assistance if the patient develops destructive behaviors i.e. pulling lines.
      • With RN, establish priorities for individual patient and communicate with team members in establishing priority tasks.
      • Maintain regular communication with RN related to assigned duties and patient behavior; perform activities within prescribed scope, seek clarification when needed.
      • Immediately report escalating behaviors to RN.
      • Confer with RN when confronted with unfamiliar patient care issues.
      • Ensure information sharing when handing off to new Safety Attendant.Organizational Accountabilities
        • Organizational Commitment/IdentificationAnticipate and respond to customer needs; follow up until needs are met.
          • Teamwork/CommunicationDemonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior; partner with all team members to achieve goals; be receptive to others' ideas and opinions.
            • Performance Improvement/Problem-solvingContribute to a positive work environment; demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change; identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes; make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment.
              • Cost Management/Financial ResponsibilityUse resources efficiently; search for less costly ways of doing things.
                • SafetySpeak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance; continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation;
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Keywords: Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC , Unit Support Associate 7East Medical Unit (patient sitter, 12 hr shift D/N rotation), Human Resources , Washington, DC