Unit Communications Associate - 7 East - Full-time

111 Michigan Avenue NorthwestWashington, DC 20010Kids Are Our Everything.Department10303 7 EastPay Range$21.37 - $42.22This will be a full time day shift position.The Unit Communications Associate coordinates the 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 determined by Health Information Management and Unit Support Services. Performs clerical duties for a specific unit. Performs receptionist responsibilities and tasks which ensure efficient operation of a Unit Communication Center.Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED (Required)Associate's Degree and/or some college (Preferred)Minimum Work Experience1 year In a healthcare environment (Required)Required Skills/KnowledgeComputer knowledge and proficiency required.Basic MS Word skills.Excellent organizational, analytical and communications skills required.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 areas of the Hospital when needed.Follow all Hospital / Departmental policies/procedures.Remain on unit during assigned shift, notifying Charge Nurse and appropriate staffmembers 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 in a neat and organized fashion.Use downtime productively during shift.Functional AccountabilitiesCommunication Link between Patients/families and Health Care StaffGreet patients, families, healthcare staff and visitors in a friendly , approachable manner .Speak to the patient/family at a level appropriate to their level of 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 in an accurate and timely manner.Maintain all communication boards.Follow procedures for visitors policy .Assist in mail distribution to clinical staff on unit.Performs Operational DutiesCoordinate 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 a written and oral report for the oncoming Unit Communications Associate at the end of the shift.Follow procedures for visitor policyMaintain a clean and orderly work environment.Assist Unit Manager with the collections of Patient Satisfaction Surveys.Assist in mail distribution to clinical staff on the unit.Assisting with Patient Care-Related ActivitiesAnswer call bells in a professional manner and with a consumer-oriented approach.May assist in Unit Orientation for patients / families.May assist with making requests for supplies of patient care needs.Health Information ManagementFax orders to pharmacy per procedure.Maintain downtime box and follow downtime procedures including but not limited to 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 equipmentMaintain proper PAR levels of supplies on the Nursing Unit.In collaboration with the Unit Manager , 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 that 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 the patient charge system according to procedure and downtime supply boxes.Work closely with Charge Nurse/Coordinators to maintain organized unit environment of care.SafetySpeak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performanceContinuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentationStop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situationDemonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communicationActively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workersAttend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performanceThe disclosed salary range includes the minimum and maximum rates within which Children’s National believes an individual’s base pay rate will fall for this position. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the maximum of the pay range. The exact pay rate for this position will be based on a variety of factors in alignment with the Children’s National compensation philosophy. These factors are legitimate and non-discriminatory including, but not limited to, the current market conditions; organizational needs; the individual’s combination of prior work experience, level of education, knowledge, skills, and other qualifications. Children’s National is committed to providing a fair and competitive total rewards package to each of our employees. This base salary range does not include our comprehensive benefits package or any additional compensation for which this position may be eligible.Childrens National Hospital is an equal opportunity employer that evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The “Know Your Rights” poster is available here: and the pay transparency policy is available here: Know Your RightsPay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster.Please note that it is the policy of Children's National Hospital to ensure a “drug-free” work environment: a workplace free from the illegal use, possession or distribution of controlled substances (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act), or the misuse of legal substances, by all staff (management, employees and contractors). Though recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in the District of Columbia, Children's National and its affiliates maintain the right, in accordance with our policy, to enforce a drug-free workplace, including prohibiting recreational or prescribed marijuana. #J-18808-Ljbffr Children's National Hospital