CNA/Unit Secretary

Job Summary

Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance, the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior.

Performs Mental Health Assistant activities that contribute to the care and treatment of psychiatric patients. Supports and participates in continuous quality improvement activities. Functions in accordance with established policies and procedures of Psychiatric Department.

Example of Essential Functions:

* Conducts and records safety inspection of each shift and reports necessary action to Charge Nurse.
* Maintains unit safety related to sharps and dangerous objects. Assists in educating patients about safety issues through daily report and individual interactions.
* Monitors patient area during mealtime. Provides assistance as needed
* Provides immediate intervention for de-escalation of disruptive behavior and assists with placing patients in seclusion or restraint in accordance with established policies.
* Maintains patient safety by performing patient checks as required, using the form provided. Reports any signs of increasing agitation or aggression, suicidal behavior, danger of elopement, violation of smoking rules, etc. to the Charge Nurse. Works cooperatively with others in intervening appropriately to maintain a safe environment.
* Maintains patient limits or restrictions as established or directed.
* Consistently and accurately performs patient, room, and belongings checks to assure a safe environment, e.g., awareness of restraints, risk to fall, frequent turning.
* Carefully and safely handles patient's clothing and other personal property (including sharps, prosthetic devices, hearing aides, dentures, glasses, contact lenses, etc.) from admission through discharge
* Develops and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with patients and family members.
* Assists with the admission, discharge, and transfer of patients. Orients patient and family to unit and unit milieu.
* Assists patients with activities of daily living and hygienic care according to patient needs. Records patient's intake and output as needed.
* Initiates, reviews, and revises patient/family checklist as appropriate.
* Promptly takes and accurately records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, height and weight, as directed. Performs blood glucose accuchecks and other procedures as trained and directed.
* Anticipates patient's needs and responds to patient call lights promptly and courteously.
* Makes occupied and unoccupied beds in a proper manner.
* Keeps patient rooms tidy, bed linen clean and straightened.
* Cleans spills according to policy, e.g., body fluids, etc.
* Prepares patients for meals promptly; assists patients with meals, nourishments, and drinking water; monitors and reports patients' response.
* Documents percent of meal taken when appropriate.
* Obtains supplies for use as directed by RN.
* Initiates and leads patient activity groups such as exercise, weekend planning, and evening relaxation. Charts patient response on activity record.
* Participates in and contributes effectively in other patient oriented groups such as community business meeting and evening wrap-up.
* Promotes patient participation in groups and encourages social interaction within the therapeutic milieu.
* Uses communication tools effectively: beepers, wireless phones, computers, etc.
* Functions in a collaborative and respectful manner.
* Reviews completed documentation for accuracy with assigned RN(s).
* Uses equipment effectively when obtaining information and data: automatic blood pressure equipment, blood glucose equipment, bed scales.
* Charts factually and concisely in accordance with Behavioral Health Department policy and procedure.
* Attends and contributes to daily shift report.
* Attends all mandatory in-service programs yearly, including CPR and Code Green certification.
* Develops and maintains positive working relationships and effective communication with members of the unit staff.
* Participates in unit meetings, in-services, and clinical supervision.
* Participates in unit-based or hospital committees as assigned.
* Participates in quality improvement program of the Psychiatric Unit. Makes recommendations to improve current standards of care. Participates in the implementation of QI recommendations.
* Attends required education programs and attains minimum of two (2) continuing education hours applicable to practice in addition to meeting all mandatory requirements.
* Assists in orienting new employees to department.
* Stays informed of unit/hospital events by reading minutes or attending staff meetings 100% of the time.
* Serves on committees and projects as necessary
* Receives, greets, and directs patients, visitors, and hospital personnel.
* Receives requests from patients and families and refers requests to appropriate person.
* Receives, places, and transfers calls using appropriate telephone etiquette.
* Initiates, assembles, and maintains medical records for patients on the assigned department.
* Transcribes physicians' orders. Completes all forms, requisitions, computer verifications and communications necessary to implement orders.
* Utilizes computer to enter patient admission data, change orders, requisitions supplies, and generate/receive interdepartmental communications.
* Files diagnostic and laboratory reports in patient's medical records after review by RN.
* Prepares and processes medical records for transfer within the hospital and to other facilities.
* Prepares discharge charts for Medical Records Department.
* Records and communicates messages.
* Maintains adequate inventory of forms, materials and equipment.
* Prepares specimens for transport and timely delivery to other departments using appropriate communication forms and labeling techniques.
* Prepares forms for charges and credits and maintains department logs, forms, and other required statistics.
* Provides assistance to others in areas of expertise and to other nursing departments.
* Prepare chart packets as needed
* Keeps the department clean and tidy: kitchen, soiled utility room, clean utility room, etc.
* Floats to other units as assigned.
* Serves as a patient transporter as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
* Ability to work cooperatively with others.
* Ability to establish rapport with patients, families, and visitors.
* Ability to perform skillfully in physical crisis intervention with disturbed or violent patients.
* Ability to perform in a calm manner in crises and emergency situations.
* Effective use of proper body mechanics when handling patients, supplies, and equipment.
* Ability to comprehend medical/psychiatric terminology.
* Ability to handle stressful and physically demanding work subject to a patient population at risk for unpredictable behavior.
* Skills and abilities to perform all job description duties according to the age specific patient population served by their department and described in the Department's Quality Improvement Plan.
* Ability to keep patient and employee information confidential.
* Basic computer skills.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

* Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A) certification required
* CPR Certification required

Caring for you as you care for the CommUNITY

Frederick Health offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package. Health, Dental and Vision insurance are offered the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment to all employees hired to work at least 20 hours per week and we offer multiple plans to best meet your and your family's needs. Life insurance, Short-Term Income Replacement and Long-Term Disability are employer paid for eligible employees. Frederick Health offers a robust Paid Time Off program for eligible employees. Our 403B retirement plan helps you save for your retirement and includes an employer match to eligible employees. All employees have access to free financial planning sessions. We also offer an educational assistance program to support your education goals as well as an employer paid Employee Assistance Program.

Pay is based on experience, skills and education. If position is part-time, salary will be pro-rated based on scheduled hours. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on specialty if applicable. Non-Exempt positions may have shift differential and/or Overtime paid, if applicable.

Hourly range: $19.15 - $27.77