General Summary of Position
Functions as a member of the patient-centered care team to provide direct patient care activities in the emergency department under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or medical providers to patients with acute, non-acute and/or rapidly changing conditions and needs. Assists nursing and medical staff with procedures and/or tests and patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Performs specific care activities such as specimen collection, phlebotomy, intravenous (IV) catheter insertion, electrocardiography (EKG), and documentation in the health record.
Incumbents in this position may perform all, or a combination of the duties described depending upon the assigned work area and the specific needs of the patients and the department.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality and safety standards, and SPIRIT Values. Complies with governmental regulations and accreditation standards.Provides direct patient care activities under the supervision of the nursing or medical staff and according to department/hospital policy. Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal hygiene; performs eye and ear irrigation; provides nourishments; applies ace bandages/wraps, splints and knee or other limb immobilization devices; and fits patients for crutches and walkers.Collects specimens (e.g., blood, urine, sputum, stool); performs venipuncture/phlebotomy; obtains EKGs; and inserts intravenous (IV) catheters, changes of IV sites and dressings, and inspection of IV sites; applies oxygen equipment (e.g., nasal cannula and non-rebreather mask).Assists in the measurement and documentation of patient's vital signs, height and weight, pulse oximetry, point of care and waived testing (i.e., finger sticks for glucose monitoring/Accucheck, urine dipstick, hemoccult), visual acuity, and other pertinent data or information in the patient's health record.Performs routine sterile, non-sterile (e.g., application of thermal soaks) and other treatments/activities identified by department/hospital policy inclusive of but not limited to: Foley Catheter insertion and removal; Nasogastric tube insertion and removal; simple dressing changes and wound care; turning and positioning; postmortem care and transportation of body to the morgue; maintenance of drainage tubes with/without pump or suction; care of oxygen equipment; and assistance with the application, maintenance and removal of traction, casts, splints and exercise equipment.Maintains the comfort, privacy and confidentiality, and dignity of each patient in the delivery of services. Performs patient observation duty, including 1:1 observation, and safe application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations and procedures.Rounds on patients based on established standards. Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients/families, including changes in the patient's condition/symptoms, to the registered nurse and other care team members as necessary. Ensures complete hand off to oncoming shift and obtains full hand off from outgoing shift. Initiates and assists in CPR when indicated.Participates in patient/family teaching (e.g., proper use of crutches and walkers) as directed and responds to questions from patients, families and visitors in a prompt, courteous, and respectful manner, referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.Maintains the cleanliness and safety of patient rooms/bays/environment by distributing and changing linen, removing used meal trays, checking bed/stretcher siderails and safety restraints, etc. Assists with environmental services support such as linen management, trash removal and cleaning as needed.Maintains orderliness of the utility, storage, nourishment and nursing station areas at the end of each shift.Transports and/or escorts patients during discharges, transfers, and/or medical appointments. Completes errands such as delivering specimens to the laboratory, equipment, and supplies, etc., as required.Receives and stocks equipment and supplies and maintains orderly supply and utility rooms. Restocks supplies in patient rooms/bays.Attends staff meetings, ongoing educational offerings, and participate in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
Minimum Qualifications
Education- High School Diploma or GED required
- Completion of an approved nursing assistant certification program required
Experience- 1-2 years experience as a certified nursing assistant required
- Experience as a care technician, emergency medical technician or paramedic preferred
- General health care experience in an acute care, long-term care or other settings preferred
- Student nurse in junior or senior year preferred
Licenses and Certifications- CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland required
- CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
- Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.
- CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Basic math knowledge; verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic computer skills preferred.
Why MedStar Health?
At MedStar Health, we understand that our ability to treat others well begins with how we treat each other. We work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment where our associates feel valued, connected, and empowered. We live up to this promise through:
- Strong emphasis on teamwork - our associates feel connected to each other and our mission as an organization. In return, our effective team environment generates positive patient outcomes and high associate satisfaction ratings that exceed the national benchmark.
- Strategic focus on equity, inclusion, & diversity - we are committed to equity for all people and communities. We continue to build a diverse and inclusive workplace where people feel a sense of belonging and the ability to contribute to equitable care delivery and improved community health outcomes at all levels of the organization.
- Comprehensive total rewards package - including competitive pay, generous paid time off, great health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, education assistance, and so much more.
- More career opportunities closer to home - as the largest healthcare provider in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, there are countless opportunities to grow your career and fulfill your aspirations.
About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.
MedStar Health is an Equal Opportunity (EO) Employer and assures equal opportunity for all applicants and employees. We hire people to work in different locations, and we comply with the federal, state and local laws governing each of those locations. MedStar Health makes all decisions regarding employment, including for example, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefit eligibility, discipline, and discharge without regard to any protected status, including race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliations, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local EO laws. If you receive an offer of employment, it is MedStar Health's policy to hire its employees on an at-will basis, which means you or MedStar Health may terminate this relationship at any time, for any reason.
