1) Bed Management: Tracks, prioritizes, and assigns beds. Communicates with BMD and BM for admissions, discharges, and transfers (ADTs). Coordinates unit/department ADTs. Checks BMD enters new data and advises Charge Nurse of changes. Checks CIS for discharge orders and follows up with MD, CM RN to assure discharge documents are complete. Enters discharges in OA Gold and pending discharges in BMD. Rounds 3 times daily with RNs and CM regarding discharges, discharge times and special instructions, and appropriateness for Discharge Lounge. Notifies CM if an ambulance is unable to come at the assigned time. CM monitors BMD for observation of patients to determine if the patient needs discharge or status change. Tracks new admissions from the ED. Retrieves SBAR data from the ED and communicates to the nursing staff. Assures fax is received within 30 minutes. Arranges patient transport from the ED if needed. Carries BMD beeper, and assigns coverage during breaks and meals to ensure a constant flow of ADTs.
2) Proficiently and accurately utilizes the following computer applications in daily work: C Word, OA Gold, SMS, CIS, Premise, BMD, PCM Auditor, People Soft and Staples, and Koronos access if applicable.
3) Unit-specific projects: Project work as assigned and/or needed such as Payroll, committee participation, developing unit time schedules, etc.
4) Communication: Provide report/handoff to next shift including pending discharges, admissions in process, empty beds, beds being cleaned, and closed beds with the reason. Contacts other departments for priority tests for patients identified for next-day discharge. Answers telephones and relays messages promptly with consistent accuracy to team members. Responds to routine inquires knowledgeably and/or refers them to the appropriate person, assists staff as requested, and ensures identified problems are communicated accurately and promptly. Places call to MDs and ancillary departments to facilitate patient care and throughput. Where appropriate, coordinates communication with NEOPO and related paperwork in conjunction with RN. Screen calls for the clinical team and facilitates communication of information requested.
5) Serve as a unit-based resource for Zoned Hospitalist and medical/surgical teaching teams. Assist Hospitalist during clinical rounds, i.e. initiate phone calls, send faxes, and call consults as directed by Zoned Hospitalist. Make available the unit-based assignment (RN/Case Manager/Social Worker as well as covering RNs [i.e. lunch and breaks]) daily for Hospitalist. Maintain and identify specific workspace for Hospitalists which include computer and telephone access. Works with Access Services and patient/family to secure post-discharge follow-up appointments. Identifies daily the Hospitalist of the day through electronic systems and prints this form for team use throughout the day. Posts break and lunch coverage in a central location for ease in obtaining patient-related information and fostering communication.
6) Hospital Records and logs:
Maintains patient charts in proper sequence and labels pages with patients’ names. Prepares record prior to transfer and discharge. Explains and obtains signatures for Medicare forms. Organizes charts for Medical Records, and faxes or copies records as needed. Sends discharge record to HIM (old and new) immediately after discharge. Updates discharge/admission log. Insures complete information is sent with transfers. Prepares patient charge tickets for data entry and keeps accurate records on the unit. When appropriate, enter data into the PCM auditor at specified times. Replenish and restock unit audit tools (i.e. refrigerator logs, negative pressure room logs, etc.). Other unit logs i.e. assignment books, sick call records, Kronos variance forms, etc.
7) Unit Resource: Functions as a greeter for the arrival of new patients/families to the unit/department. Assists other departments with information and or answers to questions as requested. Post/file MD schedules for clinical team inquiry. In coordination with the charge nurse, prepare staffing assignments for the next shift. Place calls to replace unplanned staffing vacancies. Communicate staffing and scheduling to Clinical Supervisor. As needed, but not limited to obtaining mail from the mailroom, blood products from the Laboratory, medications from the Pharmacy, and supplies from Distribution and Dietary as needed.
8) Inventories maintains and charges supplies. Initiates requisitions and requests accurately and in a timely fashion. Stores supply within 24 hours of receipt in designated area. Records or submits charges and/or credits for patient supplies as needed. Coordinate paper supplies with Print Shop and/or Distribution to maintain unit/department par levels.
9) Is knowledgeable of and initiates emergency procedures as needed/directed within the unit/department. Verbalizes knowledge and location of emergency equipment. Mobilizes emergency support personnel through immediate telephone contact.
10) Observes cardiac monitors. Identifies and reports irregular rhythms to a registered nurse for interpretation and intervention. Records and processes EKG monitor strips for defined cardiac patient populations. Assures proper placement and maintenance of all monitoring equipment
11) Demonstrates competency for one-to-one observation of patients based on department and unit-specific needs.
12) CPR/BLS Certification may be required by the department
13) Must take and pass the required dysrhythmia course (telemetry) within 6 weeks of hire