Unit Assistant

This position is responsible for supporting and coordinating the administrative activities of the nursing unit.

May be assigned to cover multiple units.

• Processes transfers and discharges using the Admit-Discharge-Transfer (ADT) system in the electronic medical record.
• Answers and appropriately routes internal and external telephone calls.
• Orders materials and supplies for the unit, and collects equipment and medication from the dumb waiter system.
• Answers call system from nurses station; follows up with patient and/or family as appropriate.
• Makes follow-up appointments for patients as necessary.
• In conjunction with Discharge Coordinator, organizes transfers to skilled nursing facilities, including printing relevant sections of the patient chart.
• Prepares discharge packets and other documents for patients (including maternal/baby).
• Maintains the units business equipment, including maintaining appropriately charged wireless carts.
• Arranges for special maintenance or repair of the units business equipment.
• Updates the units white board (this function may be eliminated).
• Maintains the Minimum Record.
• Assists unit personnel in the use of the electronic medical record and other systems; may act as the unit resource for computer-related issues.
• Acts as greeter for the unit, greeting new patients and their families.
• Coordinates discharge times, contacts family members with discharge information, and otherwise facilitates a timely discharge when the patient is ready.
• Initiates units downtime procedures when necessary.
• Communicates with other units/departments.
• May support Environmental Services in the data entry into the ADT system the status of clean and dirty beds.
• May help to facilitate co-pay collections by communicating with the Admitting office when family members are present on the unit, relaying information to Admitting or to the patient/family, etc.
• Assists with other unit duties such as collecting meal trays, taking STAT specimens to the lab, etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.