ED Patient Care Tech

SUMMARY:
Reports to the Clinical Manager and under the general direction and supervision of the professional staff, assists in providing care to Emergency Department patients and their families from arrival to departure. Performs a variety of clerical and patient care assistive duties as a member of the Health Care Team.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the delivery of safe patient care:

• Assignment limited to the urgent, psychiatric and observation Pods within the Emergency Department.

• Collaborates with the Registered Nurse to set priorities and organize work.

• Communicates all pertinent observations to the responsible Registered Nurse.

• Administers direct physical care and assists with other activities of daily living (ADLs).

• Observes IV rate of flow and extremities for signs of infiltration and/or phlebitis.

• Performs selected procedures and treatments according to standards and protocols.

• Assists with admissions, transfers and discharges of patients.

• Collects tests, records and reports selected specimen data. Reports findings to Registered Nurse.

• Assists with oxygen therapy as directed by the Registered Nurse. Changes E cylinders, attaches regulators and adjusts breathing apparatus. Monitors rate of flow. Reports findings to Registered Nurse.

• Sets up cardiac monitoring devices according to procedure. Assists with cardiac monitoring, runs 12 lead electrocardiogram (EKG). Reports findings to Registered Nurse.

• Utilizes side rails, restraints and assistive devices when available and necessary.

• Records selected treatments and procedures for which she/he is responsible.

• Maintains patient and family confidentiality according to established hospital standards.

• Serves as an active patient/family advocate.

• Supports and reinforces teaching done by the Registered Nurse.

• Performs other duties within scope of care as assigned.

• Responsible for emergency and safety conduct:

• Identifies cardiopulmonary arrest and initiates CPR.

• Demonstrates adherence to universal precautions, safety programs and other infection control measures.

• Reviews fire, disaster and infection control in manual.

• Demonstrates ability to perform responsibilities in emergency/code situations.

• Reports unsafe situations to the Registered Nurse or to the Clinical Manager.

• Lifts correctly to avoid harm to self. Utilizes assistive devices when available.

• Maintains an environment conducive to patient comfort and safety.

• Exercises proper care in the use of equipment and reports need to repair to the appropriate person.

• Utilizes side rails and restraints in accordance with nursing procedure and policy of Rhode Island Hospital.

• Adheres to fall precaution protocol.

• Adheres to constant observation protocols as assigned.

• Responsible for completion of clerical skills needed for efficient patient flow:

• Exhibits appropriate use of medical terms and abbreviations.

• Organizes, prioritizes workload based on patient, unit/clinic needs.

• Copies charts for admission and disassembles charts for discharge according to hospital guidelines. Files reports in charts accurately and maintains medical record. Faxes chart documents for admitted patients to appropriate unit.

• Answers phones and intercom, using phone and intercom etiquette, and notifies appropriate staff.

• Utilizes hospital computer systems accurately, to execute orders, retrieve data and generate reports. Reports computer and equipment malfunctions to the help desk.

• Accurately uses all existing computer systems (Invision, LifeLinks, MedHost, Bed Board, MAK MAR, Hospital Capacity System (HCS) and/or any new systems necessary to carry out job duties.

• Arranges for necessary equipment delivery as needed.

• Follows up on diagnostic tests ordered and documents booking in the computer under Date/Time Scheduled Tests including any required preparations and holds trays or makes NPO accordingly.

• Orders stationary and office supplies as appropriate. Maintains and stocks the A-Z file.

• Faxes completed Authorization for Use of Protected Health Information form to other health care providers; receives faxed information and files in the patient's record. Faxes other forms as needed.

• Takes responsibility for educational updates by attending education sessions and accessing the Net Learning website. Meets and maintains competencies measured by annual mandatory competency check and mandatory/safety education.

• Reports unsafe situations to the Registered Nurse or to the Clinical Manager.

• Promotes safety on the unit.

• Adheres to established RIH/Unit standards, policies and procedures (absenteeism, tardiness, badging, mandatory education, fire, safety, infection control and credentialing, HIPAA, and confidentiality guidelines).

• Pages physicians and others via the hospital page system, computer alpha paging, and the hospital emergency operator to page codes.

• Coordinate Continuity of Care form copies accordingly. Fax to Home Care Services when indicated. Files copies in medical record. Prints copies from Life Links if necessary.

• Obtains copies of medical records as indicated.

• Performs all aspects of the Secretaryide role accurately, including but not restricted to, patient types codes, discharge disposition codes, observation and inpatient status, patient services charges, calls consults when indicated, updates dietary rounds reports.

• Understands and is able to perform appropriate I.S. downtime procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

• High school graduate or its equivalent preferred.

• Entry level credentialing of secretarial and nursing assistant skills.

• Current Rhode Island registration as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

• Certified in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS).

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the Brown University Health, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

• Effective interpersonal communications skills.

• Able to multi-task in order to perform a variety of complex duties.

• Basic computer skills required.

• Basic knowledge of medical terminology preferred.

• Read, write legibly and speak English.

• Basic knowledge of the hospital's patient care delivery orientation program.

• WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Exposed to patient care environment with frequent standing, walking and sitting.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

• Performs independently within department policies and practices. Refers specific, complex problems to supervisor where clarification of department policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None.

Pay Range: 

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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Driving Required:

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