Unit Assistant

• Promotes the mission, vision and goals of the PMH

• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FIPPA), RHA policies and any other applicable legislation

• Adheres to all policies and procedures

• Reports for work as scheduled in a prompt manner

• Schedules patients to receive planned services

• Receives and relays telephone, P.A. (public announcement) and other messages for physicians, ward personnel and patients as necessary

• Receives and directs all patients/visitors in a kind and courteous manner

• Collects and distributes mail for assigned area

• Transcribes physician orders, completes requisition for lab, etc., and ensures charts are complete

• Assembles charts on arrival of the patient and maintains adequate supply of pre-assembled charts

• Assembles, checks and returns charts to Health Records upon discharge or death of patient

• Processes identification signs for above patient beds and ensures accuracy daily

• Accuracy, efficiency, timeliness, and diligence are displayed in the accomplishment of all assigned duties with a minimum of direct supervision

• Ability to prioritize duties and responsibilities

• Maintain a neat and orderly work environment

• Maintains records and/or statistical reports as required

• Supports admission, transfer and discharge under the direction of manager

• Maintains an adequate filing system under the direction of the manager

• Maintains W.H.M.I.S. Manual under the direction of the manager

• Orders and stocks supply for the unit, and obtains quotes as assigned by the manager

• Maintains revisions to policies and procedures and ensures they are placed in the appropriate manuals

• Maintains unit ledgers/records and compiles statistical monthly reports

• Arranges follow-up appointments with physicians following patient discharge when required

• Faxes telephone consult forms to appropriate agencies (i.e.: echograms, CT scans, angiograms, etc.) and notifies patient of dates as required

• Maintains and updates patient diet orders

• Ensures appropriate ward kitchen inventory

• Communicates and consults with the manager

• Attends staff meetings

• Notifies staff of departmental meetings and maintains records of same

• Maintains communication book and memo board

• Effective communication skills and interpersonal relationships are demonstrated on an ongoing basis

• Ensures the equipment is in good working order and reports faulty devices to the charge nurse, Clinical Resource Nurse, or Clinical Team Manager

• Adheres to the cleaning schedule which includes cleaning of common ward equipment which includes but is not limited to stretchers, patient lifts, blood pressure machines

• Serves meals / hands out meal trays following meal service where applicable

• Provides a neat and clean environment for all patients/residents maintain to code of cleanliness and sanitation as outlined in the infection Control Procedures

• Makes beds

• General cleaning and tidying of the patient/ resident care areas

• Provides basic personal care to patients/clients in a prompt efficient manner while treating each patient/resident with respect

• Uses techniques that enable the patient/resident to utilize their maximum ability while making personal choices

• Ensures personal comfort and care of patient/residents during completion of activities of daily living

• Meets basic human needs related to elimination, hygiene, mobility, nutrition, recreation, rest, safety, social and spiritual needs

• Washes hair, skin, nail, oral, ear and perineal, back massage and care to pressure areas, as well as, colostomy and ileostomy care

• Assists with hearing aids, glasses and prosthesis

• Assists with bowel and bladder care routines, preserving each patient/resident abilities and dignity

• Assist with dressing and undressing, promoting the patient/resident individuality, dignity and freedom of choice

• Assists each patient/resident meets the dietary requirements by feeding, utilizing special devices, monitoring and encouraging food and fluid intake and assessing feeding and swallowing disorders related to a medical diagnosis

• Guides patient/resident to participate in activities which are meaningful, purposeful and therapeutic within their abilities and desires

• Maintains a clean, sanitary and organized environment for patients/ residents/ client’s activity

• Positions, turns and transfers patients/ residents using proper body mechanics that provide for safety of both patients/ elders and self

• Operates mechanical equipment according to established safety standards

• Follows established safe work practices

• Uses appropriate safety devices

• Ensures that equipment is in good working order and reports faulty mechanisms to the nurse in charge

• Knowledgeable in facility fire, safety and disaster plans as well as policies and procedures related to security and patient/resident care

• Reports incidents that result in injury to patients/residents, staff, visitors or self and reports unsafe acts and workplace hazards

• Assists in determining the cause of accidents and supportive to corrective action

• Initial clean-up of bodily fluids

• Cooperates with the Workplace Safety and Health Committee and others on safety and health issues

• Utilized interventions to minimize the need for restraints

• When ordered maintains and monitors restraints application

• Restocks hygiene supplies as per schedule

• Replenishes supplies in patient/ resident care areas

• Adheres to the cleaning schedule which includes assistive mobility aids, tub room, utility rooms patient/resident personal care items

• Distributes personal laundry where applicable

• Gathers, washes and redistributes sterile supplies such as bedpans and urinals

• Assists with mobilization and provision of rehabilitative support for patients/residents based on their individualized care plan

• Uses rehabilitative devices including transfer belts, walkers, wheel chairs and whirlpool tubs according to operating instructions

• Assists patients/residents to maintain independence

• Provides rand of motion exercises while doing ADL’s (where applicable)

• Weighs patients/residents and records accordingly

• Collects specimens as directed

• Application of splints

• Keeps current by reading the communication book where applicable; ADL sheets, care plans, report book and staff meeting minutes

• Demonstrates a kind and compassionate approach with genuine concern for the patients/residents

• Supportive of an environment that allows the freedom of choice, privacy and personal beliefs

• Responds to call bells promptly

• Respects patient/resident individuality and plans care around the patient/resident routine as much as possible

• Encourages patient/resident autonomy to preserve dignity and self-esteem

• Promotes quality of life

• Acts as a patient/resident advocate

• Encourages patients/residents to participate in programs and provides personal care at appropriate times to facilitate participation

• Takes opportunities while providing care to spend quality one-to-one time with patients/residents

• Recognizes the family/significant other as an integral patient/resident care

• Maintains care and security of patient/resident possessions

• Readily offers assistance to any of the patients/residents

• Communicates with department staff, individually and as a group, to promote efficient functioning and high morale

• Communicates with other managers to achieve efficient function of all services

• Liaison with outside agencies as required

• Follows proper accurate shift report

• Documents in the patient/resident flow sheet

• Reports all pertinent information and observation in a timely manner

• Answers the phone professionally and relays messages appropriately

• Reports unusual incidents to the nurse in charge and completes occurrence reports as required

• Pursuant to the Regional Health Authority Act, Interlake- Eastern RHA is designated bilingual (English/ French). Accordingly, all employees accept the responsibility to support clients in their official language of choice.

• Demonstrates the ability to accept and adjust to change

• Assumes responsibility for own actions

• Maintains a professional appearance in conjunction with the IERHA Dress Code Policy

• Refrain from the use of perfumes or heavily scented beauty products

• Maintains an acceptable state of health in accordance with the Attendance Support & Assistance Program (ASAP)

• Exhibits confidence and initiative in the work environment

• Maintains and updates professional skills, certification(s), leadership skills and knowledge through continuing education programs, literature reviews, publications and conferences

• Maintains knowledge of new developments in departmental areas through journal review, interest groups, lectures and committee work

• Participates in continuous quality improvements

• Participates in orientation and mentoring of new staff as assigned

• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB INFORMATIONs