Lead Nursing Support Tech

General Summary of Position
Under the direction of clinical administrator or nurse leader supports the leadership of and provides guidance to other care associates (i.e. certified nursing assistants patient care technicians) on one or more units. Possesses and demonstrates appropriate knowledge and technical skills relevant to clinical care provision to the specific patient population and within the role responsibility of a CNA and PCT. Trains and monitors other CNAs and PCTs for productivity skills development safety and quality of work. Functions under the supervision of registered nurses. Functions as a member of the patient-centered care team to provide direct patient care activities for assigned patients and their families/significant others. Assists medical and nursing staff with procedures and/or tests and patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). 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 of nursing.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to departmental policies procedures quality and safety standards and MedStar's SPIRIT Values. Complies with governmental regulations and accreditation standards.
• Performs the role responsibilities of a certified nursing assistant and patient care technician. Maintains role-related competencies and skills and attends ongoing educational offerings relevant to the role responsibilities. Documents in the patient's electronic health record the completion of care activities and patient observations.
• Acts as a resource to other CNAs and PCTs; huddles with them during the shift. Rounds on assigned units during the shift; and communicates observations made regarding associates' performance and patient care needs to the charge nurse clinical administrator and/or unit-based nurse leader.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Establishes appropriate and effective communication with other departments. Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
• Suggests and supports changes within the department. Demonstrates awareness of behaviors conducive to the efficient functioning of the department. Shadows potential newly hired associates as needed. Supports department and facility-based projects and quality or safety initiatives.
• Actively participates in the orientation and precepting of new CNAs and PCTs. Shares feedback regarding orientee performance with supervising nurses and professional development specialists.
• Constructively receives and provides feedback and direction to other Care Associates/Patient Care Technicians on the team. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit-based nurse leader and/or clinical administrator. Takes action to improve knowledge skills and performance. Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Participates in self-review as requested by unit-based nurse leader.
• Models the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team and follows chain of command procedure. Models understanding of cultural diversity. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions enthusiasm motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs). Promotes mobility of patients to ensure they are out of bed as directed by care team. Rounds on all high-risk patients using dashboard to ensure all precautions are met to include but not limited to falls and skin breakdown precautions compliance wound dressings and indwelling urinary catheters and CHG bath completion. Attends/leads post fall huddles.
• In collaboration with healthcare team completes and confirms accuracy of patient's communication board available in patient's room and ensures compliance with standard room readiness (pre and post discharge or transfer) and that patient is prepared for discharge.
• Participates in sharing key care related information with patient/family as directed by the registered nurse and responds to questions from patients families and visitors in a prompt courteous and respectful manner referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.
• Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams. Promotes and ensures compliance with CAUTI CLABSI falls prevention and HAPI initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications
Education

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Completion of a nursing assistant training program and/or completion of a patient care technician (PCT) training program

Experience

• 2 years experience with one year minimum at MedStar Health required

Licenses and Certifications

• CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland required
• CPCA - Certified Patient Care Assistant within 1 Year 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

• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills required.