36 hours per week three 12 hour shifts, alternating weekends requiredEvenings shifts The Emergency Department Assistant (EDA) functions in an assistive role to the Registered Professional Nurse, in provision of direct and indirect patient care activities in the Emergency Department. The EDA functions as a member of the ED multidisciplinary team under the direct supervision of the Registered Professional Nurse and ED Physician.The Emergency Department Assistant reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.Responsibilities:Follows established policies, procedures and standards of care in all areas of practice.Facilitates the coordination patient flow, assists health care team, and independently performs duties.Plans, organizes, and prioritizes daily activities and multiple tasks.Demonstrates familiarity with ED specific protocols and equipment.Gives and receives shift report.Direct Patient Care Activities:Provides wound careCleanses and irrigates wounds using aseptic techniqueApplies simple and complex dressings appropriate to type of wound, including application of ointments (Neosporin, Silvadene) and impregnated dressings (Xeroform, Duoderm).Applies Steri-strips as directedPerforms suture removalAssists with splinting and orthopedic devicesAssists with positioning/immobilization of patients to enable castingApplies splinting/orthopedic devices (soft cervical collar, metal and plastic splints, wrist brace, sling, aircast, elastic bandage, knee and shoulder immobilizers, cast shoe, posterior mold, plaster cast)Instructs assistive devices and ensures patient competency in crutch walking, cane usagePerforms ECGsPerforms Stat, chest pain, ECGs within 10 minutesAccurately enters patient data for procedureEnsures order entry into PowerchartRetrieves previous ECGs for comparisonPresents ECGs to ED Attending for review and documents activityTransmits data every two hoursPerforms phlebotomy in addition to specimen collection (urine, stool, sputum)Labels and processes specimens according to established protocols and policiesPerforms bedside waived testing procedures and maintains annual competencyAssists with admission, transfer, and discharge processPrepares patient and room for MD or RN assessment, evaluation, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (work may require lifting and positioning of patients)Obtains vital signs and routinely reassess vital signsApplies cardiac monitor/pulse oximetryPrepares oxygen, suction equipment, and other respiratory aidsCollects and records intake and outputAdministers and assists with direct patient care and patient hygiene activitiesMakes rounds of patients and anticipates their needsAnswers patient’s call lights promptlyApplies comfort and safety measures Transports and/or retrieves patients, specimens, equipment and/or supply as needed, including to front door on discharge.Documents on medical record all patient care provided, including charge voucherRemoves fixed rings using ring cutter and ensures identity and possession of patient belongingsPerforms CPRPerforms morgue careIndirect Patient Care Activities:Completes all necessary duties to ensure a clean, safe, attractive work environmentCleans, organizes, and prepares patient rooms; notifies appropriate personnel for mopping, garbage disposalMaintains stock of patient care items according to standards, orders accordingly in PowerchartCleans and prepares for processing of equipment requiring sterilizationReturns sterilized equipment to proper location and stores excess equipmentPerforms daily departmental room checks and bedside waived testing quality measuresAssists with order entry and telephone responseUtilizes and updates online patient and bed tracking systemsPerforms tasks and activities as delegated by the RN or MD to facilitate patient care and the efficient operations of the Emergency Department.Participates in Emergency Preparedness procedures
