UPMC
ED Communication Tech
Full-time, Day/Evening Shift, every other weekend and holiday
AFSCME - Union
Posted: January 10, 2023
Purpose:
Receive incoming calls for patients arriving at the Emergency Department with appropriate customer service skills. This may include ambulance calls, physician offices, or extended care. Additionally, coordinate all transports and transfers from the Emergency Department to the next level of care. Assist with quality assurance monitoring within the department regarding communication and documentation.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain understanding and knowledge of requirements and collaborate appropriately with prehospital providers in the emergency department setting. Note any deviations in prehospital provider communication for follow-up.
- Coordinate all transports and transfers from the Emergency Department to the next level of care daily.
- Communicate relevant information from calls received to the assigned staff and clinical manager. Update the department patient tracking board to ensure beds are assigned immediately when available.
- Document all calls regarding patient arrival, discharge, or transfer, including appropriate medical records and paperwork.
- Perform patient care activities as needed, such as venipuncture, EKG, and activities of daily living.
- Adhere to universal precautions and comply with occupational exposure policies.
- Assist with department Quality Assurance and Continuous Performance Improvement as assigned.
- Maintain department and equipment in an orderly fashion, including cleaning, restocking, and maintaining instruments and trays.
- Receive incoming calls for patient arrivals with good customer service skills, including ambulance calls, physician offices, or extended care facilities.
- Escort patients as assigned, assisting with bed, turning, lifting, positioning, and ambulating.
- Participate in patient care conferences, providing input on care planning, patient/family teaching, and CPI processes.
- Maintain proficiency in patient care testing as per established evaluation criteria.
- Assist in bed assignment for patients arriving at the ED, monitoring the patient tracking board to facilitate flow, under the direction of the Clinical Manager or Triage Nurse.
- Observe, report, and document any unusual symptoms, condition changes, and care delivered according to department policy.
- Utilize restraints and protective mechanisms as necessary, documenting appropriately.