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:
- Cleanses and irrigates wounds using aseptic technique
- Applies simple and complex dressings appropriate to type of wound, including application of ointments (Neosporin, Silvadene) and impregnated dressings (Xeroform, Duoderm).
- Applies Steri-strips as directed
- Performs suture removal
- Assists with splinting and orthopedic devices
- Assists with positioning/immobilization of patients to enable casting
- Applies 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 usage
- Performs ECGs
- Performs Stat, chest pain, ECGs within 10 minutes
- Accurately enters patient data for procedure
- Ensures order entry into Powerchart
- Retrieves previous ECGs for comparison
- Presents ECGs to ED Attending for review and documents activity
- Transmits data every two hours
- Performs phlebotomy in addition to specimen collection (urine, stool, sputum)
- Labels and processes specimens according to established protocols and policies
- Performs bedside waived testing procedures and maintains annual competency
- Assists with admission, transfer, and discharge process
- Prepares 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 signs
- Applies cardiac monitor/pulse oximetry
- Prepares oxygen, suction equipment, and other respiratory aids
- Collects and records intake and output
- Administers and assists with direct patient care and patient hygiene activities
- Makes rounds of patients and anticipates their needs
- Answers patient’s call lights promptly
- Applies 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 voucher
- Removes fixed rings using ring cutter and ensures identity and possession of patient belongings
- Performs CPR
- Performs morgue care
Indirect Patient Care Activities:
- Completes all necessary duties to ensure a clean, safe, attractive work environment
- Cleans, organizes, and prepares patient rooms; notifies appropriate personnel for mopping, garbage disposal
- Maintains stock of patient care items according to standards, orders accordingly in Powerchart
- Cleans and prepares for processing of equipment requiring sterilization
- Returns sterilized equipment to proper location and stores excess equipment
- Performs daily departmental room checks and bedside waived testing quality measures
- Assists with order entry and telephone response
- Utilizes and updates online patient and bed tracking systems
- Performs 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