Summary

Responsible for attending to the daily living, clinical and safety needs of an assigned group of patients and aiding the licensed nursing associates in the care of patients by performing various patient care activities and related non-professional services. Provides clinical support for the care team. Assumes tasks and responsibilities that do not require a license. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to read, write and understand verbal or written instructions.
• Ability to foster and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers, patients and families.
• Demonstrates compassion and patience with a deep level of concern for patients
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally with others.
• Knowledge of computer data entry/retrieval skills (MS Office Suite); prior experience with electronic medical record systems preferred. Ability to set priorities, coordinates and organizes multiple tasks, and maintain control of workflow.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times according to hospital policy and procedures and HIPAA requirements.
• Ability to understand principles and implement basic procedures of infection control.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Assists and/or provides patient with personal care, activities of daily living and other basic needs under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Documents and reports care given to patients.
• Collects specimens as directed by the registered nurse.
• Performs vital signs and I&O. Performs EKGs, blood glucose testing and phlebotomy on patients.
• Records and reports abnormal results to the RN.
• Performs interventions to prevent hospital acquired pressure injuries.
• Collaborates with the registered nurse in observing skin integrity and identifying skin deviations.
• Serves as preceptor for PCTs. Assists with orientation skills and competency checkoffs for PCTs.
• Sets up equipment for bedside procedures and assists RN with as requested. Assists with equipment set up.
• Serves as a partner in care for the care model.
• Cross trains as Unit Coordinator.
• May serve as a Heart Saver Instructor.
• Maintains a safe, clean, orderly environment in the patient care areas and keeping rooms, supply areas, storage areas and nursing stations free of clutter and hazards. Completes environmental room checks during rounds and periodically during the shift.
• Participates in purposeful rounding.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with patients and clinical nursing staff in a manner that promotes collaboration and teamwork, ensuring a patient- and family-centered focus.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, compliance activities, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Assists with unit quality initiatives.
• Performs other job functions as assigned or requested.

Physical Requirements

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• Frequent non-invasive patient contact.
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
• Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.
• Exposure to high levels of noise.