Unit Support Associate/Patient Sitter - ED

Job Description This is a full‑time position working 7:00 pm - 7:00 am with holiday and every other weekend requirement. 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. The associate will also support the unit function by assisting in the maintenance of supplies and operations. Functional Accountabilities Maintain Patient Safety: Maintain environmental safety through room sweep and checklist. Adhere to principles of pediatric safety through 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). Reinforce 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 in 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. Report safety hazards to staff (e.g., broken furniture, broken equipment). Assist in a variety of unit support activities as directed by Charge Nurse (e.g., room set‑up, answer call bells, customer service activities). Effective Communication with Other Staff: Report pertinent patient information and call for assistance if the patient develops destructive behaviors (e.g., pulling lines). With RN establish priorities for individual patient and communicate with team members in establishing priority tasks. Maintain regular communication with RN related to assigned duties and patient behavior; perform activities within prescribed scope, seek 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. Organizational Accountabilities (Staff): 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. Be 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 of doing things. Safety: Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance. Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation. Stop in the 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 carefully to important details—practice Stop, Think, Act and Review to self‑check behavior and performance. Qualifications Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED (Required) Required Skills/Knowledge: Basic computer skills preferred; knowledge of child development preferred. Required Licenses and Certifications: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required) Location and Logistics Primary Location: District of Columbia — Washington Work Locations: CN Hospital (Main Campus), 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington 20010 Job: Nursing Organization: COE Hospital‑Based Specialties Position Status: R (Regular) – FT – Full‑Time Shift: Night Work Schedule: 7 p‑7 a every other weekend and holiday requirement Full‑Time Salary Range: $37,336 – $67,995.20 Children’s 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. Children’s National Hospital maintains a drug‑free workplace. All staff, including management, employees, and contractors, are prohibited from the illegal use, possession or distribution of controlled substances, or the misuse of legal substances. #J-18808-Ljbffr Children's National Medical Center