Unit Support Associate - Heart and Kidney Unit

Unit Support Associate

Kids Are Our Everything.

10301 Heart And Kidney Unit

Pay Range: $17.50 - $32.69

About the Role:

The Unit Support Associate in collaboration with and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse the Unit Support Associate will assist in activities directly related to the care of patients and operation of the unit. This will include but is not limited to providing direct 1:1 observation of patients related to safety or behavioral issues. Support the unit function by assisting in the maintenance of supplies and operations.

What You'll Bring:

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Basic computer skills (Preferred)
• Knowledge of child development (Preferred)

Required License and Certification:

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required)

Functional Accountabilities:

• Maintain Patient Safety:
• Maintain environmental safety through room sweep and checklist
• Adhere to principles of pediatric safety through the use of handrails, seat belts and direct observation
• Never leave patient unattended
• Intervene quickly to calm, redirect, reorient patient, or guide patient to prevent harm to self or others
• Remain in patient room unless relieved by nurse or another unit support associate
• Accompany patient for any procedures off the unit
• Meet/Satisfy Patient Needs:
• Engage patient in distracting, age-appropriate goal oriented behavior, provide activities and conversations that are distracting and therapeutic (discuss with bedside RN)
• Reinforces positive behavior
• Assist with linen changes and room stocking
• Assist in activities of daily living, including but not limited to washing, toileting, position changes and assistance with meals
• Maintain universal precautions
• Assist with providing breaks as directed by Charge Nurse
• Maintain a Clean and Safe Environment:
• Keep room clean and tidy
• Maintain a calm environment
• When not responsible for direct patient observation stock unit, nurse servers, carts, etc. as directed by charge nurse
• Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness, stock par levels and supplies
• Reports safety hazards to staff i.e. broken furniture/broken equipment
• Assist in variety of unit support activities as directed by Charge Nurse i.e. room set up, answer call bells, customer service activities
• Effective Communication with Other Staff:
• Reports pertinent patient information and call for assistance if the patient develops destructive behaviors i.e. pulling lines
• With RN establishes priorities for individual patient, communicates with team members in establishing priority tasks
• Maintains regular communication with RN related to assigned duties and patient behavior; performs activities within prescribed scope, seeks clarification when needed
• Immediately report escalating behaviors to RN
• Confers with RN when confronted with unfamiliar patient care issue
• Ensure information sharing when handing off to new safety attendant

Benefits That Support You:

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• Financial wellness support, including a 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Additional perks, including tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Why Join Us:

• Nationally Recognized Excellence Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Children's Hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
• Leading Pediatric Care One of the largest and most comprehensive children's hospitals in the country, offering nationally ranked specialties and cutting-edge treatments.
• Innovation & Research A premier academic medical center with a strong commitment to pediatric research, education, and advancing the future of child health.
• Mission-Driven Culture Dedicated to providing family-centered care while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for clinical teams.

Children's National Medical Center