Operations Associate

Summary:

Reports to the Nurse Manager but daily activities are coordinated by the charge nurse. Under direct supervision works with patient and family centered care teams to insure all business functions related to processing patient information, managing documentation, organizing patient medical record and facilitating smooth unit operations. Files appropriate patient reports and other information for their records. Facilitates communication among staff, relaying messages/information. Facilitates bed management and patient throughput on unit. Performs functions necessary to process direct admissions to the unit. Acts as receptionist for visitors to unit and also as a business partner to the department and clinical staff. Orients patients and families to the unit, answering routine questions. Able to multitask.

Job Responsibilities:

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 Kronos access if applicable.

3) Unit specific projects: Project work as assigned and/or needed such as Payroll, committee participation, develop unit time schedules, etc.

4) Communication: provides 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 appropriate person, assists staff as requested, ensures identified problems are communicated accurately and promptly. Places calls to MD's 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 clinical team and facilitate 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) 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.

7) Hospital Records and logs:
Maintains patient chart in proper sequence and labels pages with patients name. Prepares record prior to transfer and discharge. Explains and obtains signatures for Medicare forms. Organizes chart for Medical Records, 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 ticket for data entry and keeps accurate record on unit. When appropriate, enter data into 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.

8) Unit Resource: Post/file MD schedules for clinical team inquiry. In coordination with charge nurse, prepare staffing assignment for the next shift. Place calls to replace unplanned staffing vacancies. communicate staffing and scheduling to Clinical Supervisor. As needed, but not limited to obtain mail from the mailroom, blood products from the Laboratory, medications from Pharmacy and supplies from Distribution and Dietary as needed.

9) Inventories, maintains and charges supplies. Initiates requisitions and requests accurately and in a timely fashion. Stores supplies 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.

10) Is knowledgeable of and initiates emergency procedures as needed/directed within unit/department. Verbalizes knowledge and location of emergency equipment. Mobilizes emergency support personnel through immediate telephone contact.