Unit Communications Associate - PACU

Full-time evening shift (15:00–23:30). Coordinates communication activities for the nursing unit and models exemplary performance standards of customer service for patients, families and internal customers.

Maintains patient care records and related documentation as directed by Health Information Management and Unit Support Services. Performs clerical duties for a specific unit and receptionist responsibilities to ensure efficient operation of the Unit Communication Center.

Minimum Education
High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
Associate's Degree and/or some college (Preferred)
1 year in a healthcare environment (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Computer knowledge and proficiency required.
Basic MS Word skills.
Excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills.
Legible handwriting.
Attention to detail.
Basic mathematics skills.
Ability to interact with all levels of staff, patient and visitors with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to respond quickly to specified emergency situations in other hospital areas when needed.
Follow all hospital/departamental policies and procedures.
Remain on unit during assigned shift, notifying charge nurse and appropriate staff members when leaving the unit for patient‑care related errands.
Use designated staff areas for eating, smoking and socializing (performed only during assigned breaks).
Leave patient‑care area when assigned shift is completed, replacement staff member is present, and report is given.
Work area is left neat and organized.
Use downtime productively during shift.

Functional Accountabilities
Communication Link Between Patients/Families and Health Care Staff
Greet patients, families, healthcare staff and visitors in a friendly, approachable manner.
Speak to patient/family at a level appropriate to their understanding.
Provide information in a helpful, collegial and/or caring manner and follow up on requests for information as needed.
Communicate effectively among all disciplines and contribute to problem‑solving issues on the unit effectively and collaboratively.
Communicate concerns or issues to the charge nurse/coordinator or unit manager.
Answer telephone calls in a professional, timely manner, and with a consumer‑oriented approach.
Relay information and messages accurately and timely.
Maintain all communication boards.
Follow visitor policy procedures.
Assist in mail distribution to clinical staff on unit.

Performs Operational Duties
Coordinate admissions, discharges and transfers with the Bed Control Office and the Admissions/Discharge Nurse Coordinator.
Discharge patients in computer system per protocol, immediately after patient leaves.
Verify bed status and placement of patients in a collaborative manner and contact the charge nurse with bed placement issues promptly.
Verify empty bed status report with the charge nurse each shift according to policy; maintain accurate census and bed control and communicate environmental needs as appropriate.
Maintain bed/crib par levels.
Maintain environment of care by making rounds on unit.
Use PSS staffing system to enter census data each shift as directed.
Fax PSS flow sheets daily according to proper procedure.
Provide written and oral report for the oncoming Unit Communications Associate at shift end.
Follow visitor policy procedures.
Maintain a clean and orderly work environment.
Assist unit manager with the collection of patient satisfaction surveys.
Assist in mail distribution to clinical staff on unit.

Assisting with Patient Care-Related Activities
Answer call bells professionally and consumer‑oriented.
May assist in unit orientation for patients/families.
May assist with requests for supplies of patient‑care needs.

Health Information Management
Fax orders to pharmacy per procedure.
Maintain downtime box and follow downtime procedures, including faxing orders to the appropriate department.
Prepare charts for surgery, special procedures, transfers and discharges according to established guidelines.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Maintains Unit Supplies Equipment
Maintain proper PAR levels of supplies on the nursing unit.
Collaborate with unit manager to verify all supply/equipment orders according to established budget parameters.
Use E‑Works accurately to complete all orders appropriately.
Maintain supply/equipment log per unit protocol.
Monitor and organize supplies in designated storage areas.
Ensure computer systems are properly plugged in at each station and clean equipment if necessary.
Initiate communication for fixing equipment including but not limited to Hill Rom Call Bell system, computer system and phones.
Initiate patient charge system according to procedure and downtime supply boxes.
Work closely with charge nurse/coordinators to maintain organized unit environment of care.

Safety
Speak up when team members exhibit unsafe behavior.
Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation.
Stop in face of uncertainty and take time to resolve the situation.
Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication.
Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co‑workers.
Attend to details—practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review to self‑check behavior and performance.

Organizational Accountabilities
Conducts Self Responsibly
Attend mandatory in‑services/educational programs to learn about new procedures, skills, products, equipment.
Attend staff meetings.
Assist with clerical orientation of newly hired nursing staff and unit communication associates.
Participate in shared leadership by staying informed about council meetings and unit issues.
Participate in shared‑decision making through contributing to unit discussions and supporting shared leadership decisions.

Organizational Commitment / Identification
Partner in the mission and uphold core principles of the organization.
Committed to diversity and recognize value of cultural/ethnic differences.
Demonstrate personal and professional integrity.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Customer Service
Anticipate and respond to customer needs; follow up until needs are met.

Teamwork / Communication
Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior.
Partner with all team members to achieve goals.
Receptive to others’ ideas and opinions.

Performance Improvement / Problem‑Solving
Contribute 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 Responsibility
Use resources efficiently.
Search for less costly ways to accomplish tasks.

Primary Location
District of Columbia—Washington

Work Locations
CN Hospital (Main Campus)

Job
Administrative Support / Customer Service

Organization
Surgery COE

Position Status
Regular (R)

Shift
Evening

Work Schedule
1500–2330

Full‑Time Salary Range
43,160

#J-18808-Ljbffr