Position Summary:

This position performs various patient care activities related to caring for the personal needs and comfort of patients under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN). Performs clerical and clinical functions under the direction of the RN.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient care in a safe, sensitive, and timely manner according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Supports the patient care process in the unit by performing a variety of duties and procedures in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Duties include, but not limited to, obtaining EKGs, collecting laboratory specimens, performing phlebotomy tests, collecting vital signs, or preparing patients for surgery (dressed in hospital gown, jewelry removed, hospital ID band, paperwork available, baseline vital signs).
• Initiates, completes, and maintains documentation such as medical records, physician orders, transcription, and departmental logs with accuracy and in a timely manner.
• Stocks, maintains, and replaces supplies on a daily or as needed basis.
• Applies and adheres to the principles of infection control and sterile technique in all aspects of the technician role.
• Performs clerical and secretarial duties as required.
• Participates in departmental performance improvement and training activities.
• Interacts and copes effectively with diverse populations in stressful situations resulting from trauma and illness.
• Performs duties and procedures specific to the role proficiently in accordance with departmental competencies and procedures.
• Provides quality service consistently with departmental and hospital philosophy.

Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities:

• Meets established productivity standards.
• Facilitates and promotes the sharing of knowledge and content throughout departments.
• Takes responsibility for ensuring that all work outcomes satisfy the UMass Memorial Health System True North.
• The individual must support the mission, vision, and goals of HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital and serve as a role model for CARES values.
• Adheres to change control processes.
• Participates in cross training to optimize department resources.
• Demonstrates excellent attendance and actively participates in a variety of meetings and training sessions as required.
• Demonstrates a friendly, responsive, service-minded attitude to all internal and external customers.
• Communicates ideas effectively. Shares information and keeps others properly informed. Gives, and is open to useful feedback.
• Adheres to the HealthAlliance Hospital Code of Conduct and Behavior Standards and dress code.
• Complies with established environment of care/safety policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.
• Maintains and fosters an organized, clean and safe work environment.
• Contributes to the development and application of process improvements.
• Maintains a collaborative, team relationship with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the group's achievement of goals and to help foster a positive work environment.
• Attends staff meetings and in-service programs as required or directed. Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards and/or books, bulletin boards, posted notices and reads and responds to e mails on a regular basis.
• Practices cost containment and fiscal responsibility through the efficient use of supplies, equipment, time, etc.
• Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
• Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
• Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
• Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
• Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standard of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.
• Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

All responsibilities are essential job functions.

III. Position Qualifications:
License/Certification/Education:

Required:
1. Minimum of a high school education or GED.
2. Current CNA or EMT license or Certified Medical Assistant is preferred, and one of the following qualifications is REQUIRED:
a. Prior clinical experience or acute care training, or
b. Nursing student who has completed at least one clinical rotation, or
c. One year of experience as a PCA I - Inpatient and has completed all unit based competency requirements.
3. Current Basic Life Support or Heart Saver certification.

Experience/Skills:

Required:
1. Ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.
2. Must utilize proper safety techniques and body mechanics in all work-related activities.
3. Strong interpersonal skills to gather information from individuals, build relationships that support collaborative work within the department and across the organization and provide exceptional service to patients.
4. Proven interpersonal skills to provide respectful, culturally and age appropriate communication with patients, staff, family, visitors and others.
5. Must have proven problem-solving abilities for routine situations and requests assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
6. Must be able to remain calm when under stress or in emergency situations.
7. Demonstrates sensitivity and responsiveness to patients' needs by acting as a source of information and approaches all interactions with the intention of building positive rapport and relationships.

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

Department-specific competencies and their measurements will be developed and maintained in the individual departments. The competencies will be maintained and attached to the departmental job description. Responsible managers will review competencies with position incumbents.