MAIN FUNCTION:

Provides a wide array of clinical support services on the patient care unit. In collaboration with the Unit Director and Staff Development Instructor and under the supervision of the Staff Registered Nurses, the Clinical Assistant plans and reviews equipment and supply needs, assists the nursing staff with specific technical procedures and assists with patient care. Reports to Unit Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Skills

** 1. Demonstrates competency in skills and procedures (See competency statement).

** 2. Performs competency in emergency situations. Remains calm and stays available during code situations.

** 3. Performs patient care/documents and reports patient data to RN in a timely manner.

** 4. Consistently incorporates hourly rounding into daily practice.

Patients' Rights

** 5. Demonstrates awareness of Patients' Rights; treats patients/families with respect, dignity, and kindness.

** 6. Keeps all patient information confidential.

Problem Solving/Decision Making

** 7. Practices effective problem identification and problem solution skills.

** 8. Demonstrates effective conflict resolution processes.

** 9. Recognizes changes in patient status and advises appropriate personnel immediately.

** 10. Sets priorities effectively.

Professionalism

** 11. Conducts self in a professional manner with all internal and external customers.

** 12. Dress appropriately per job requirement. Wears name tag as required.

** 13. Reviews employee handbook, revised policies and procedures, and bulletin board in order to maintain understanding of Arnot Health regulations and new relevant information.

** 14. Takes the initiative to make improvements and resolve issues within the scope of clinical practice, referring issues to the Unit Director as appropriate.

** 15. Demonstrates reliability.

** 16. Follows the attendance and punctuality policies of the Division of Nursing.

** 17. Provides assistance to other units if time and activity permit.

** 18. Assumes responsibility to attend mandatory in-services of the Arnot Health, Division of Nursing, and unit.

** 19. Assumes responsibility for information shared at staff meetings.

** 20. Demonstrates knowledge of technical skills and procedures. Has attended and shows documentation of 5 contact hours per year of education focused on role (excluding mandatory in-services).

** 21. Assumes responsibility for own actions and documents actions taken.

Risk Management and Quality Improvement

** 22. Demonstrates awareness and application of safety issues as identified within the institution, including the Medical Device Reporting Law.

** 23. Removes broken/defective equipment from service; assures the proper documentation is carried out, and follows up with the appropriate department to be sure it repaired/replaced.

** 24. Keeps Unit Director informed of all supply and equipment issues including the need to reorder or re-evaluate vendors due to inadequate performance.

** 25. Follows policies and procedures related to infection control and performs procedures using appropriate personal protective equipment and technique.

Risk Management and Quality Improvement

** 26. Participates in QI activities. Demonstrates QI principles in daily work.

** 27. Demonstrates appropriate responsible decision making.

** 28. Identifies opportunities for improvement in communication, practice setting and working relationships, and implements methods for improvement.

Communication

** 29. Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills, using lines of authority appropriately.

1. Develops effective working relationships with all members of the health care team.

1. Assists the Staff Development Instructor in providing in-services on equipment, procedures and safety for unit and other Arnot Health personnel as requested.

Staffing

1. Remains flexible in staffing to provide unit coverage and meet unit needs.

Other

1. Is responsible for attending all mandatory annual educational programs as required by the position.

1. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.

1. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties that may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma required or comparable work experience may be accepted as a valid substitute for formal educational credentials.

EXPERIENCE:

Experience in health care environment preferred. Completion of orientation, exam and competencies.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Appreciable physical effort required; lifting, pulling, pushing and moving patients of various size, capabilities and abilities. Some lifting, reaching, and stooping. Ability to read and write required. Direct patient care tasks required. Required to be on feet much of time.

INFECTION CONTROL:

Performs all aspects of Standard Precautions when engaging in patient care.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

** A.D.A. Essential Functions