Unit Secretary/Nursing Assistant - 7th Floor Progressive Care Unit

Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Job Description

The Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at UNC Wayne is a specialized 28 bed unit. This unit primarily serves adult patients, ages 18 and up, dealing with a range of acute and chronic cardiac diseases as well as medical/surgical conditions. Our patient population includes individuals requiring continuous cardiac monitoring for non-critical issues, as well as those managing cardiac arrhythmias and other serious complications of cardiovascular disease. Common diagnoses treated in the PCU include Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), NSTEMI, and pre/post cardiac procedures like cardiac catheterizations and pacemaker placement. The PCU bridges the gap between the ICU and medical-surgical units by providing continuous monitoring and frequent nursing assessments and interventions.

The Unit Secretary-Nursing Assistant I performs a variety of secretarial support and basic nursing care activities for patients and families during his/her assigned shift, working under the supervision of the RN/LPN as defined by the NC Board of Nursing. Communicates with nursing staff, provider office staff, and/or other entities regarding patient information, while carrying out assigned patient care, receptionist and secretarial duties.

Responsibilities:

1. Assists in providing a quality patient experience which may include but is not limited to the following:

a. Receives, greets and directs patients and visitors professionally.

b. Answers telephone and call bell promptly and in accordance with behavioral expectations.

2. Provides quality patient care which may include but is not limited to the following:

a. Measures vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, etc.

b. Provides personal care such as bathing, mouth care, skin care, hair care, nail care, bed making, and dressing/undressing.

c. Assists with nutritional needs of patients by performing tasks such as preparing patients for meal time, and feeding patients.

d. Assists patients with elimination needs through tasks such as use of bedpan/urinal, bowel/bladder training, collection of specimens, perineal/catheter care.

e. Measures height and weight.

f. Measures and records intake and output.

3. Completes all required documentation accurately and thoroughly according to unit specific standards.

a. May obtain, verify or update patient information as required.

b. Ensures files, documents, schedules, records and logs are current and organized.

4. Promotes effective communication between patients, teammates, providers, and visitors.

a. Promptly reports abnormal vital signs and changes in the patient's condition to the primary nurse or charge nurse.

b. Communicates pertinent patient information to other teammates during handoff report or sooner if needed.

c. Communicates patient or family questions or concerns in a timely manner.

d. May schedule appointments for tests, follow up visits, etc. as directed.

e. May collaborate with office staff and other external entities when needed.

5. Ensures teamwork by demonstrating cooperative, constructive, and problem-solving interactions.

a. Accepts delegated tasks and assignments that are within their scope of practice.

b. Seeks help when needed and provides help to others when available.

c. Performs unit specific tasks to support efficient and high-quality operations within the unit or department.

d. Collaborates with other units such as environmental services, transport, facilities, laboratory services, dining, etc., as needed.

6. Ensures a safe, clean, and orderly environment for self, patients, and teammates.

a. Utilizes proper body mechanics when turning/repositioning; transferring; assisting with ambulation; range of motion exercises; and using lifts beds, stretchers, and wheelchairs.

b. Ensures patient safety through utilizing items such as side rails, call bells, and mitts/restraints.

c. Follows proper infection control techniques which include items such as handwashing, isolation techniques, and standard precautions.

d. Keeps work areas clean, organized and neat.

7. Responds appropriately and promptly in emergency situations.

a. Recognizes signs and symptoms of distress.

b. Promptly notifies appropriate teammates to ensure prompt response of resources needed.

c. Obtains needed supplies/equipment in a timely manner.

d. Participates in CPR or other needed emergency care within their scope of practice.

8. Provides assistance and customer service to patients visitors, providers and teammates.

a. Strives to develop rapport and trust with patients and visitors.

b. Adheres to behavior expectations and utilizes Carolina Care techniques.

c. Provides blameless apology and works toward resolution of patient/visitor concerns.

9. Procures supplies and equipment in accordance with departmental needs.

Education:

Completion of state approved Level 1 Nurse Aide training and competency evaluation program or its equivalent.

High School Diploma or equivalent required, any higher education from an accredited college will supersede this requirement.

Licensure/Certification:

Current listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I registry.

Certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support.

Experience:

At least one year in a health care role preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to provide excellent patient and customer service to all patients and their visitors as well as to internal and external teammates.

Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with teammates and relate to patients with varying degrees of illness.

Attention to detail. Ability to set priorities and organize many functions at the same time for an entire unit.

Flexibility and calmness required in order to perform a variety of functions in a setting which may be stressful or change unexpectedly due to a patient's condition.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to speak, read, write, and communicate effectively.

Able to learn new software rapidly. Knowledge of Epic or EMR is helpful.

Familiarity with basic medical terminology.

Valid NC Driver's License: No

If driving a Wayne UNC Vehicle, must be 21 years old and MVR must be approved by Risk Management.