Unit Assistant/Telemetry Technician (36 hours per week) - Sonoma Valley Hospital
Sonoma, CA 95476
About the Job
The Unit Assistant/Telemetry Technician is an important member of the care team, supporting all departments in the delivery of safe, efficient care to patients on MedSurg and ICU. Responsible for helping create and maintain a healthy working environment for all members of the care team, an efficient and organized unit, and a safe, healing atmosphere for our patients. Enhances the daily operations of the units, supports patient throughput, and provides outstanding service excellence. Expected to perform basic patient care duties autonomously and also at the direction of the RN.
Responsibilities:Provides excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, and staff of SVH by maintain a helpful, positive attitude. Promptly answers phones in a professional tone an manner at all times and always tries to assist the caller. Directs caller to appropriate staff member. Relays clear and concise messages as needed. Assists and guides patients and visitors, and is welcoming and caring. Is sensitive to cultural differences and treats all people with respect and compassion. Maintains a professional personal appearance and manner at all times, in accordance with SVH policy.
Creates an efficient working environment by keeping the nursing stations tidy and organized. Keeps the patient paper chart organized, complete, and up to date from admission through discharge, and ensures same is sent to medical records. Keeps the unit assignment board complete and updated throughout the shift. Updates daily census sheet at end of each shift.
Supports patient flow by collaborating with nursing and the House Supervisor to assign patient beds. Notifies RN of new admissions and when discharge paperwork is complete. Supports timely discharges by coordinating all discharge paperwork, scheduling follow-up appointments, assisting case management in facilitating acute transfers. May assist in transport of discharged patients to lobby .
Supports the PRIME Grant initiative by ensuring all discharge paperwork is complete, follow up appointments are made, and discharge paperwork is faxed to the patient's PCP within the specified time frame.
Assists RN to answer call lights quickly and determines how best to assist a patient. Rounds frequently on patients, assisting as needed, and reports to the RN any findings that are not "within normal limits." Ensures patient whiteboards are complete and updated. Assists the team in keeping patient belongings safe and accounted for.
Maintains competency for telemetry monitoring. Admits and discharges patients from monitor, observes patient rhythm for changes, notifies RN of any abnormalities, prints and reviews, and interprets rhythm strips each shift.
Supports a healthy working environment by volunteering discretionary effort constantly, is curious and not judgmental, maintains a positive attitude and fosters a spirit of teamwork among all disciplines. Seeks solutions and engages in problem-solving, avoiding gossip and negativity
Supports a safe working environment by putting away equipment and unused supplies when no longer needed. Submits work orders for faulty or broken equipment to appropriate team (Biomed, Engineering ,IT). Cleans and disinfects equipment per SVH Infection Prevention policy. Performs hand hygiene before and after every patient interaction and when hands are visibly soiled. Reports unanticipated events as appropriate via the Midas System.
Practices financial stewardship by not overusing or wasting supplies, to include patient supplies as well as office/unit supplies. Completes accurate billing/charge capture in a timely manner for all ACU patients.
Maintains personal responsibility for keeping all employment requirements in good standing, including but not limited to BLS certification, annual employee health requirements and annual employee education requirements (i.e. HealthStream's, skills lab); maintain knowledge and skill in telemetry monitoring.
Qualifications: Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Minimum one year as a telemetry technician or nursing student who has completed first semester of nursing school preferred; six months as unit assistant or similar position required.
Licenses & Certifications: Current Certified Nursing Assistant license by State of California preferred. Basic Life Support from an American Heart Association approved agency required. Successful completion of Basic Arrythmia course or successful passing of hospital-specific Basic Arrythmia exam within first 90 days of employment.
Required Skills & Knowledge: Excellent customer service and communication skills. Ability to adapt quickly to changes, in a positive manner. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally. Able to work in an organized and efficient manner; ability to prioritize tasks and function in a very fast paced environment. Able to use a computer and Microsoft Office programs. Attention to detail, accuracy and ability to maintain confidentiality. Knowledgeable in basic anatomy, basic medical terminology, and telemetry.
