ER Assistant

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, performs routine patient care duties following all assignments given by the Registered Nurse in charge of Emergency Services. Assists in treatment rooms.

Essential Responsibilities:

* Completes documentation and functions as information source for patients when appropriate.

* Responsible for adhering to all standards of nursing care and for promoting teamwork among co-workers.

* Patient Health Care:
Instruct patients on general health and basic self care procedures.

* Review, explain and clarify physician orders with patient or parent.

* Instruct patients in use of home equipment.

* Administer patient first aid.

* Apply orthopedic appliances.

* Apply and remove dressings.

* Execute treatments such as urinary catheterizations, bladder irrigations and installations, suctioning procedures, throat irrigations.

* Follow standard infection control procedures.

* Give enemas.

* Initiate emergency procedures (including CPR) and provide emergency patient treatment.

* Irrigate and pack wounds.

* Safely Lift patients.

* Monitor patients vital signs and for bleeding.

* Observe machine monitors.

* Perform inhalation therapy and surgical preps.

* Prepare and position patients for procedures.

* Respond to Code Blues.

* Take and record patient vital signs, height, weight, etc.

* Obtain patient specimens.

* Prepare samples and specimens for lab analysis.

* Perform waive testing, including but not limited to blood glucose, urine dip, and pregnancy testing.

* Check patients vision with Snellen chart.

* Assist physician in obtaining tissue specimens and biopsies.

* Restrain or support patient during procedures.

* Select and pass instruments.

* Deliver food trays to patients.

* Heat and serve patient meals.

* Records and Patient Information:
Schedule, cancel or reschedule patient appointments, when necessary.

* Direct members to appropriate department.

* Question patients regarding nature or illness and medical problems.

* Make initial assessment of patient condition.

* Fill out maintenance forms, as appropriate.

* Fill out laboratory, x-ray, diagnostic test requisitions or specialized test forms.

* Complete referral forms, as necessary.

* Obtain patient signature on consent forms.

* Record all procedures and activities during emergencies.

* Transport patient to and from designated areas.

* Route specimens to laboratory.

* Transport laboratory specimens and procedures trays.

* Equipment and Instruments:
Ensure equipment is available for procedures and examinations.

* Assemble and disassemble equipment and instruments.

* Check and stock emergency supply charts.

* Check that defibrillators are working.

* Set up and organize exam rooms.

* Select instruments and equipment.

* Set up instruments and surgical trays.

* Stock and restock treatment and procedure rooms.

* Rinse and clean instruments and equipment.

* Maintain clean work area.

* Administrative and other:
Train and orient new or less experienced personnel.

* Answers call lights.

* Answer nurses station telephone.

* Answer telephones and take messages.

* Locate personnel by paging system or existing technology.

* Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed, such as EKGs.